The New World School of the Arts in Miami is set to showcase its talented jazz ensemble at an internationally recognized competition in New York City. The ensemble’s dedication to their craft has earned them a spot among the country’s elite high school jazz bands, and they will participate in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 30th annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival in May.

Competition Highlights

This year’s festival is expected to be particularly special, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary with an expanded lineup of 30 bands, up from the typical 15. The students will not only compete but will also engage in workshops and clinics led by esteemed professionals in the jazz industry, including renowned drummer Steve Fidyk.

Student Insights

Student Ryan Kaplin expressed enthusiasm regarding the upcoming competition: “I’m super excited for this competition. We spent a lot of time working on this music, and it’s very rewarding to be able to go to New York and perform our music.” Fellow student Eva Rodriguez conveyed confidence in their preparation, stating, “We’ve all been practicing really hard. We’ve been listening to all the tunes, and we’ve just been trying really hard to get this on track and do really well in the competition.”

Preparation and Commitment

The ensemble members have committed numerous hours each week to perfect their performance pieces. Kaplin noted, “We have rehearsal, anywhere between an hour and a half to three hours a day, then recently, we’ve been running a lot of after-school sessionals to prepare ourselves.” Jazz professor Jim Gasior emphasized their year-round dedication: “We live and breathe this music all year round, so we celebrate this music from August through June and through the summer.”

Anticipation of the Event

As the band prepares to take the stage in New York, both students and faculty share their excitement. Gasior remarked on the significance of such opportunities: “It’s actually great to see the young men and women being committed to something and working hard towards long-term goals. It’s really great to see.” The competition will take place from May 7 to 11, and the performances will be livestreamed for audiences to enjoy.

Conclusion

This event represents a major milestone not only for the New World School of the Arts but also for the students involved, allowing them to connect with peers from around the globe and showcase their musical talents on a prestigious platform.