Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition

A program from Jazz at Lincoln Center for high school jazz bands that provides free transcriptions of original Duke Ellington recordings, teaching resources, free adjudication and regional festivals. Bands apply with recordings, and finalist bands travel to New York City in May for three days of workshops, jam sessions, rehearsals and performances at Frederick P. Rose Hall. Finalist bands are limited to 25 participating students.

Offered by Jazz at Lincoln Center. Competition for high school students in New York, New York, USA. Format: In-person. Cost: Free. Grades 9–12. Deadline: 2027-01-08.

Fields: Arts

Key facts

Who can apply: High school students in grades 9 to 12. It takes place in person in New York, New York.
Cost: Free to take part.
Dates: The deadline is January 8, 2027.

Info checked October 2026.

Questions about Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition

When is the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition deadline?

The deadline is January 8, 2027.

Is Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition free?

Yes. Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition is free to take part in.

Who can apply to Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition?

High school students in grades 9 to 12. It takes place in person in New York, New York. Age, residency and citizenship rules are on the official page.

Official program page

More academic competitions for high school students