LT takes on Essentially Ellington Jazz

LT+takes+on+Essentially+Ellington+Jazz

The LT Jazz Ensemble attended the prestigious Essentially Ellington Jazz Band competition in New York City for the first time ever from May 7 to 9. Although they did not place, they gained much more from the experience by having the opportunity to work with professional musicians and other high school jazz bands from across the country.

“We learned the meaning of what the music is supposed to do,” Andrew Lichtenauer ‘15. “It brings people together, almost like a cultural ambassador.”

A few of LT’s musicians did receive individual awards including Kate DeMonica ‘15 with an outstanding performance on trombone, Hannah Mathieson ‘15, outstanding on clarinet, Christian Naval ‘15, outstanding on guitar, Mitch Galgan ‘15, honorable mention on bass and Thomas Korenchan ‘15, honorable mention on baritone saxophone. The band played the songs “VIP’s Boogie,” “Chelsea Bridge,” and “Kinda Dukish/Rockin’ in Rhythm,” all of which were composed by Duke Ellington.

“You need to select music that showcases certain parts of the band and plays to your strengths,” director Mark Dahl said.

The musicians were able to meet Marcus Printup, a member of the trumpet section in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JOCO), who was the band mentor for LT.

“I was nervous and intimidated at first, but when we started working with Marcus, he helped us focus our energy into swing,” drummer Pat Falvey ‘15 said.

LT’s Jazz Ensemble was the only band who had never been there before and weren’t sure what to expect.

“It was even more welcoming than I thought,” Lichtenauer said. “It is a competition, but there wasn’t a huge competitive spirit because everyone was supportive of other bands which gave it a community feel.”

During the day, the bands were split into sectionals by instrument and were able to play with the same sections from the other competing bands and a professional in JOCO.

“The atmosphere was incredible,” Dahl said. “The Jazz at Lincoln center really treated the kids like professionals and gave them the credit they deserve.”

This was the 20th year of the competition and the judges said it was some of the best bands they’d ever heard, Falvey said. The focus of this competition is not on winning, but seeing where the bands can improve.

“The challenge was playing for an informed audience and being judged by some of the finest musicians in the world,” Dahl said.

The ultimate goal of this competition was to elevate the discussion of culture and music in themselves and in their community, Dahl said.

“It was the most energetic and swing filled performance of our lives, at the best venue for Jazz,” Falvey said.