Three local high school jazz bands are headed to New York City in May to compete in the annual Essentially Ellington Festival. Talented students from Ballard, Mountlake Terrace and Roosevelt High Schools snapped up three of the 15 coveted spots, which were announced today by Jazz at Lincoln Center. Over 100 bands entered the competition this year by submitting a recorded performance of three compositions.
The bands will compete and participate in workshops, jam sessions and more during the three-day festival, taking place May 4 through 6, for the honor of being named the best high school jazz band in the country. The three top-placing bands will perform with Wynton Marsalis as guest soloist, followed by a performance by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, whose members serve as mentors for the finalist bands throughout the weekend.
The festival’s finale is an awards ceremony honoring outstanding soloists, sections and the top three bands. The festival is the culmination of the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Program, which includes regional festivals and teaching resources. Throughout March and April, Jazz at Lincoln Center sends, free of charge, a professional musician to each of the 15 finalist and winning community band schools to lead an intensive day-long workshop of rehearsals, lessons and master classes.
For more information about the festival or Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Program, visit jalc.org/essentiallyellington.
