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Curating the Next Generation: Essentially Ellington’s 30th Anniversary

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We hear organizations across industries talk about “curating the next generation”.  But what exactly does that mean?

For Jazz at Lincoln Center, that means music education from a child’s earliest days before they can walk with Wee Bop, all the way through high school and beyond.  This year, Jazz’ signature education program Essentially Ellington is celebrating 30 years of outstanding high school bands welcoming 30 high school bands from around the country. 

For Great Performances, it’s a unique opportunity to peak into the most innovative jazz education programs in the world.  For 5 days, these students are immersed in workshops, jam sessions, rehearsals and performances in the House of Swing, Frederick P Rose Hall. 

But by far, our favorite event of the weekend is the opening night dinner.  On Wednesday night, we will serve over 700 students from 30 high school bands.  While our menu might not seem as sophisticated as a black-tie gala, the food is nonetheless made with love, encouraging these talented teenagers a chance to break bread together.  We serve a comforting family style meal of chicken, salads, mac and cheese and of course entirely nut-free desserts.

The magical Appel Room, with its glorious city views, becomes home to the students’ first night in NYC.  The wows are overwhelming.  The seating arrangements for the students are arranged by the musical instruments they play, giving the students instant bonding connections.  Our waitstaff become “ice breaker” hosts, like camp counselors, helping to introduce sometimes shy students to each other, find out where they are from and what instrument they play.  By the end of the dinner the students have formed lifelong bonds, and lucky for us… we get to witness the future Jazz musicians in the earliest days of their budding careers with high energy jam sessions! 

Click here to view the full festival schedule, see this year’s finalist bands, stream all events leading up to the final concert, and purchase tickets to the finale at Metropolitan Opera House featuring top student ensembles and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. 

Check out these heartwarming videos from last year’s post-dinner jam sessions. Good luck to all 30 schools competing and congratulations to Jazz on celebrating 30 years of EE!

Essentially Ellington Family Style Dinner

  • BBQ Chicken
  • Mac & Cheese  
    • Fontina, Gruyere, White Cheddar
  • Fingerling Potato Salad
    • Grilled Leeks, Red Pepper & Frisee
  • Garden Salad 
    • Spinach, Romaine, Cucumbers, Red & Yellow Peppers, Cherry Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • S’mores Squares
  • Vegan Miniature Chocolate Chip Cookies

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