Essentially Ellington Keeps Duke Ellington Very Much Alive

In a dressing room behind the stage in the Metropolitan Opera House, Wynton Marsalis, the trumpeter and educator, was focused on a live feed of the big band representing the Osceola County School for the Arts from Kissimmee, Florida. They were performing Dizzy Gillespie’s challenging piece, “Things to Come,” a composition that requires precision and skill from every member of a big band.

As the school’s lead trumpet player took a solo, showcasing his dexterity and ability to hit high notes, Mr. Marsalis observed with keen interest. He noted that the soloist had not yet reached his peak performance and predicted that the director would soon cue the band to hold back and allow the solo to develop fully. Each performance of a familiar jazz chart like this one offered a unique experience, full of subtle decisions and musical nuances.

Nearly a century ago, Duke Ellington’s orchestra graced the stage at the Cotton Club, where they entertained all-white audiences who were expected to be attentive listeners. Ellington, known for his signature sound and compositions tailored to specific members of his orchestra, emphasized the importance of musical authenticity and individuality.

At the annual Essentially Ellington festival organized by Jazz at Lincoln Center, high school big bands from around the world gathered to pay tribute to Ellington and other jazz legends. This year, in celebration of the festival’s 30th anniversary, 30 top bands competed for honors, showcasing their interpretations of classic jazz pieces.

The festival not only serves as a platform for young musicians to showcase their talent but also as a means of preserving the big band canon. Jazz at Lincoln Center provides schools with free sheet music of Ellington and other jazz greats, ensuring that the legacy of this music continues to thrive.

Through educational programs, professional mentorship, and the annual festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center is dedicated to keeping jazz alive and relevant in today’s music scene. The organization’s efforts have transformed the way band directors and students approach jazz education, emphasizing the importance of historical context and musical authenticity.

Essentially Ellington is not just a competition but a celebration of jazz as a living art form. Every band that participates contributes to the evolving narrative of jazz music, breathing new life into old compositions and keeping the spirit of improvisation and collaboration alive.

As Dr. Ollie Liddell, the band director at Memphis Central High School, discovered, even with limited resources and support, passionate students and dedicated teachers can achieve greatness in jazz music. Memphis Central’s recent victory at the Essentially Ellington competition is a testament to the power of perseverance and musical ingenuity.

In the end, jazz is not just about playing notes on a page but engaging in a musical dialogue that transcends time and boundaries. The essence of jazz lies in its ability to bring people together, to create moments of shared passion and creativity that resonate far beyond the confines of a concert hall. As the students of Memphis Central demonstrated, the true magic of jazz lies in its ability to inspire, unite, and transform lives.