For the first time, the Plano West Senior High Jazz Band is competing as a finalist in the 22nd Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival in New York City. The competition, one of the most innovative jazz education events in the world, will take place at Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) on May 11-13.
Plano West is one of 15 finalist bands across North America out of nearly 100 high school jazz bands that entered. Among workshops, jam sessions and rehearsals, the band will perform in front of Wynton Marsalis, the JALC artistic director, and a panel of esteemed judges. The three top-placing bands will get to perform with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, which will be webcast live on jazz.org/live.
The Competition & Festival is the culmination of the annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Program, which also includes, but not limited to, non-competitive regional festivals around the country and teaching resources. All Essentially Ellington member bands were invited to submit a recording, and 15 finalists were selected through a rigorous screening process. Festival events include a final concert featuring the three top-placing bands and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, which will be webcast live on jazz.org/live.
The Plano West Jazz Band has to pay their own way to the competition. To support the trip by making a small donation, please visit their GoFundMe page below:
Plano West Jazz Band Go FundMe > Jazz of Essentially Ellington >