Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is excited to partner with Jazz at Lincoln Center in presenting the 4th Annual Essentially Ellington Regional High School Jazz Band Festival, a prestigious and internationally acclaimed event that celebrates the legacy of Duke Ellington’s music. This year marks the first-ever two-day festival, offering an unparalleled opportunity for high school jazz bands to perform, participate in masterclasses and engage in jam sessions with professional musicians. These immersive experiences will allow students to refine their skills, collaborate with peers and receive expert guidance from world-class clinicians, all while celebrating the rich tradition of Ellington's work.

This noncompetitive festival offers participating bands the incredible opportunity to perform Ellington’s iconic music and receive professional feedback from world-class clinicians from Jazz at Lincoln Center. Past clinicians have included Emmy Award-winning composer and drummer Jerome Jennings, acclaimed pianist and EE finalist director Jim Gasior, educator and former chair of the music department at Foxboro Public Schools Stephen C. Massey, and renowned jazz bassist Rodney Whitaker, director of The Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center.

Throughout the festival, each band will perform at least one selection from the Essentially Ellington library before engaging in clinics and receiving critical written feedback from adjudicators.

The festival will culminate in a concert, featuring performances from the top three outstanding bands as well as the UCF Flying Horse Big Band—a highlight of the two-day celebration that promises to leave both performers and attendees with lasting memories of this exceptional musical experience.

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