2,255 jazz bands from U.S. and Canada received free newly-transcribed Duke Ellington scores. 163 jazz bands entered competition by recording three Ellington compositions. Essentially Ellington culminated in an evening concert on Saturday, May 19, at which each of the three top-placing bands performed two Ellington compositions, one alone and one with Mr. Marsalis as guest trumpet soloist. The LCJO was joined by judges Ms. Lundy, Mr. McPherson, and Mr. Schifrin. At the awards ceremony, Mr. Marsalis presented prizes to each of the 15 finalist bands.
All monetary awards go towards improving each school's jazz program.
Awards for outstanding soloists and sections were also presented. It made us as proud as if we were watching our own kids on stage. This unique music education program has provided original arrangements of Duke Ellington's music to over 65,000 high school musicians nationwide this year alone. The three-day festival began on Thursday, May 17, when the finalist bands observed the LCJO in rehearsal, participated in sectional workshops, and attended a welcome banquet and combo showcase at The Supper Club. Now in its sixth year, the goals of this unique program are to disseminate Duke Ellington compositions to high school jazz bands, encourage the study and performance of Ellington's music, and foster mentoring relationships between students and professional musicians.