TARPON SPRINGS, Florida – February 22, 2019, The Tarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the Arts (TSLCA) announced today that the Tarpon Springs Jazz Ensemble has been selected as one of the 15 national finalists for the 24th Essentially Ellington Competition and Festival – the nation’s premier jazz education event – in New York City on May 9-11, 2019. The event is organized by Jazz at Lincoln Center and is the highest honor a scholastic jazz program can receive.
The competition will unite students from Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, California and many other states. While the students have diverse backgrounds, they find harmony together while playing some of the most complex music ever written. The bands were selected from a competitive pool of 112 after submitting recordings of three tunes performed from the Essentially Ellington Library. From May 9th through the 11th, these talented young musicians from all walks of life will participate in workshops, jam sessions and sectionals, before competing for top honors in the House of Swing. The festival concludes with a concert and awards ceremony featuring this year’s top three bands, alongside the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.
“We are so honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Christopher De León, Director of Jazz Ensemble at TSLCA. “This is an incredible accomplishment and we are so proud of our 2019 TSLCA students.”
The Tarpon Springs Jazz Ensemble was also honored earlier this season with an invitation to participate in the Savannah Music Festival’s Swing Central Jazz Competition in Savannah, GA on Friday, April 5th.
About Tarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the Arts
The Tarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the Arts is a nationally recognized program that provides an integrated, seamless curriculum in academics, instrumental music, technology, and leadership skills. Additional information can be found at http://www.tarponspringsband.com/
MEDIA CONTACT:
Cathy Lawson
650-996-8816
publicity@tarponspringsband.com