Jazz at Lincoln Center Names Announces Winner of 2012 Essentially Ellington

Three high school jazz bands took top honors on Sunday night at the 17th Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center. The bands were chosen by a panel of judges composed of distinguished jazz musicians and historians, including Jazz at Lincoln Center's Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis; David Berger, BILL DOBBINS, Jeffrey Hamilton and SHERMAN IRBY. The three top bands were chosen from a field of 15 finalist bands that participated in the three-day Competition & Festival from May 4-6.

Competition performances of all the bands were streamed live and will soon be archived at http://www.jalc.org/essentiallyellington2012.

Essentially Ellington culminated at Sunday night's concert. Taking place at New York City's famed Avery Fisher Hall, the concert featured the three top-placing bands performing with a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra as a soloist, followed by a performance by the 15-piece Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (JLCO) - all of whom served as mentors for each of the finalist bands during this weekend's festival.

At an awards ceremony after the performances, Wynton Marsalis presented prizes and cash awards to each of the 15 finalist bands. Christopher Dorsey, Director of the Dillard Center for the Arts, accepted the 1st place trophy and an award of $5,000. Peter Francis, Director of New World School of the Arts,accepted the 3rd place trophy and an award of $1,000. Scott Brown, Director of Roosevelt High School, accepted the 2nd place trophy and an award of $2,500. Rio Americano High School was named honorable mention band and received an award of $750. The remaining 11 finalist bands and winning community ensemble were awarded certificates of merit and cash awards of $500. All monetary awards go toward improving the schools' jazz programs. Awards for outstanding soloists and sections were also presented (see listing below).

"This is possibly the strongest competition we've had in 17 years. As a former Essentially Ellington finalist band director, I have great insight into what it takes to get a band to this level," said Jazz at Lincoln Center Director of Education Todd Stoll. "It has been inspiring to watch these young people interact with each other, members of our band and Wynton Marsalis over the last 3 days. This Festival is a testament to the importance of music and arts education in America. I congratulate all of the bands, the winners and our incredible Essentially Ellington team for a weekend that's both inspirational and transformational."