NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has altered the annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition Festival, but it will still go on, giving students the chance to show their talents virtually.
High school bands from around the country traditionally head to Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City for a multi-day competition.
“This year we are even more committed to recognizing our high school student musicians.
We applaud the dedication, spirit and commitment of the students, band directors, parents and schools,” said Wynton Marsalis, who is JALC’s managing and artistic director.
Essentially Ellington, named after jazz great Duke Ellington, is a free educational program that provides instruction and resources to jazz students nationwide.
