Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz A Band Earns Return Invitation to Prestigious Essentially Ellington Competition

The award-winning high school jazz ensemble will compete in New York City for the third time in five years.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:23am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a jazz trumpet repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the energy and artistry of the Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz A Band's national recognition.The Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz A Band's return to the prestigious Essentially Ellington competition in New York City showcases the exceptional talent and dedication of the school's young musicians.Kissimmee Today

The Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz A Band has earned a return invitation to the prestigious Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival in New York City, one of only three programs nationwide selected to compete. Under the direction of Jason Anderson, the ensemble has built a distinguished national reputation, including first-place finishes at the event in 2022 and 2023. The band will travel to New York in late April to perform alongside 19 other top high school jazz groups from across the globe.

Why it matters

The Essentially Ellington competition is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious jazz education programs in the world, offering unparalleled performance, mentorship, and learning opportunities for high school musicians. The repeated selection of the Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz A Band underscores the exceptional talent of the school's young musicians and the strength of the arts education program in the local community.

The details

The Jazz A Band will participate in the three-day festival from April 30 to May 2, 2026, which will feature clinics, workshops, and a final concert and awards ceremony at Frederick P. Rose Hall. As part of their preparation, the ensemble will host a special clinic on April 1 featuring acclaimed jazz trumpeter, composer, and educator Pharez Whitted, providing students with expert guidance ahead of the competition.

  • The Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival will take place from April 30 to May 2, 2026.
  • The Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz A Band will host a special clinic with jazz artist Pharez Whitted on April 1, 2026.

The players

Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz A Band

An award-winning high school jazz ensemble from Osceola County, Florida that has earned national recognition for its exceptional performances.

Jason Anderson

The Director of Jazz Studies at the Osceola County School for the Arts, who has led the Jazz A Band to multiple first-place finishes at the Essentially Ellington competition.

Pharez Whitted

A renowned jazz trumpeter, composer, and educator who will provide a special clinic for the Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz A Band as part of their preparation for the Essentially Ellington competition.

Viviana Janer

The Osceola County Commissioner for District 2, who provided a $10,000 contribution through the Osceola County Betterment Grant to help offset the travel expenses for the Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz A Band's trip to New York City.

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What’s next

The Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz A Band will continue their preparations for the Essentially Ellington competition, including the special clinic with Pharez Whitted, as they aim to once again perform among the nation's best high school jazz ensembles and contend for top honors.

The takeaway

The repeated selection of the Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz A Band to the prestigious Essentially Ellington competition is a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of the school's young musicians, as well as the strength of the arts education program in the local community. This recognition underscores the importance of investing in and supporting high-quality arts education, which can provide transformative opportunities for students to develop their skills and showcase their talents on a national stage.