Agoura High Band to Compete in New York

has been selected to participate in the 16th Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival on May 12-14 at Frederick P. Rose Hall.

One hundred and 10 bands entered the competition by submitting a recorded performance of three compositions. The entries were evaluated in a blind screening by jazz education experts Ronald Carter, Andrew Homzy, Loren Schoenberg, and Todd Williams.

The three-day competition and festival in New York City will allow bands to compete and participate in workshops and jam sessions. The three top-placing bands perform with Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Wynton Marsalis, as guest soloist on May 14 at Avery Fisher Hall.

"The enthusiasm and dedication of students, families, band directors, judges, and alumni testify to the timeless American values that define this competition and festival," said Marsalis in a press release. "I'm looking forward to hearing this year's finalists. It is my favorite time of year."

Throughout March and April, Jazz at Lincoln Center will send 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.

The free clinics are part of the rich 16-year history of this unique music education program, which has reached more than 300,000 students in more than 3,000 high schools across all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Australia and American schools abroad. 

Tickets for the Concert and Awards Ceremony are $20 or $25 and available now atthe Avery Fisher Hall Box Office, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Box Office, by calling Center Charge at 212-721-6500 or visiting jalc.org.