Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Carroll Jazz Orchestra Named Essentially Ellington Finalists

The Carroll ISD Jazz Orchestra was recently selected in a blind audition as one of the 15 finalist bands in the U.S. in the Essentially Ellington competition. The competition is the most prestigious nationwide high school jazz competition, and this is the sixth time in the program’s history that they have been selected for this honor.

“We are so excited to have been named Essentially Ellington Finalists for the sixth time in our program’s history,” said David Lown, Carroll ISD Director of Jazz Bands. “The students in the Jazz Orchestra worked incredibly hard on their audition material, and it is humbling and exciting to be included in the list of 15 bands from across the nation. We will transition now to hard work on our contest set for the Finals competition, to be held virtually on June 4-5.”

The finals competition itself traditionally happens in New York City, but due to COVID it will be held virtually this year on June 4 and 5.  The finalists were revealed on Friday, April 9 in a video announcement from Wynton Marsalis. You can view the video announcement here.

See below a list of the students in Jazz Orchestra:

Justin Wu 10 Alto Sax
Logan Clay 11 Alto Sax
Joe Sweeney 12 Tenor Sax
Henry Thompson 12 Tenor Sax
Diego Peña 11 Bari Sax
Chase Adams 12 Trumpet
Hudson Koonsman 12 Trumpet
Alex Estridge 12 Trumpet
PJ Owston 12 Trumpet
Callum Andrews 11 Trumpet
Riley Silfies 12 Trombone
Chris Estridge 12 Trombone
Nicole Krishna 11 Trombone
Jack Kester 12 Trombone
Jake Bonanno 12 Bass Trombone
Tom Kersen 11 Piano
Alec Schwartz 12 Bass
Carter Adams 12 Drums
Charlie Hook 11 Drums
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