Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz Band Wins First Essentially Ellington Jazz Competition in New York

The Osceola School for the Arts jazz band traveled to compete at New York’s Lincoln Center for Essentially Ellington May 5-7, the nation’s premier jazz education event and competition. When they return to Osceola County on Monday, they will do so as the winners after coming first over 15 other high school jazz bands in the competition.

“What an incredible experience we have had over the past few days in New York. Congratulations to all students, families and supporters of the OCSA Jazz Program. It’s been an exhausting week but all the hard work of Mr Jason Anderson and the absolutely amazing Jazz A students paid off last night by winning 1st place at the Essentially Ellington Competition and Festival,” said the Assistant Director of the Osceola County School for the Arts said Mark Conners – who traveled with the set to New York.

Duke Ellington’s music is at the very heart of 20th century American musical heritage and central to the rich canon of jazz music. Jazz at Lincoln Center, committed to instilling a broader understanding of this music, created the Essentially Ellington (EE) program during the 1995-1996 school year to make Ellington’s music accessible to as many musicians around the world as possible. secondary school and to support the development of their music. school music programs.