KPLU
It’s well known news in Seattle that both Garfield and Roosevelt have incredibly talented jazz bands and directors. Both bands have won the Essentially Ellington High school Jazz Band Competition four times, a tie for most wins in the competition’s 15 year history. The competition is the most illustrious and high profile high school jazz band competition in the country, with 15 bands from around the nation descending on New York City to play the music of Duke Ellington for a panel of judges. There is naturally a friendly rivalry between the two schools, who often toggle back and forth between holding first place. Roosevelt director Scott Brown says: “People back in New York and people around d the country are always asking, ‘What’s in the water out in Seattle?’” He laughs. “It’s not really in the water. We think it’s the coffee.” This article profile both of the school’s programs and directors and discusses their preparation for this year’s competition. To read the full article, follow the link.