KPLU
Although it is held all the way across the country, Seattle schools have been a strong presence at the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition for many years now. Garfield High School has won the competition four times and defended the 2009 and 2010 winner’s title this year. Roosevelt High School previously won the competition in 2002, 2007 and 2008 and placed second at the 16th annual competition held last weekend. Mountlake Terrace High School took home the third place prize, the second time their jazz band has finished in the top three. What is it about Seattle that produces such fecund musical talent? Is it in the water or the java? Without a doubt it is the dedication of the teachers, students, parents and communities that value and support music education in our local schools. Congratulations to all the PNW schools that performed in the jazz competition and represented for Seattle. Click on the links above to learn more about the “Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 16th Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival” and watch videos of the Seattle schools’ performances.