The Ann Arbor Huron High School Jazz Orchestra was selected as one of only 30 ensembles worldwide to compete in the 30th annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition Festival on May 7-11, 2025, at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. This is the first time that the Huron Jazz Orchestra has been awarded this prestigious distinction and only the third program in the state of Michigan selected to participate in the National Essentially Ellington Competition over its 30-year span.

Our students have worked so hard and are thrilled to have achieved this prestigious honor. We are asking for your monetary support in order to send the jazz orchestra to New York at low to no cost. 100% of your donation will be used to pay for travel and accommodations. Thank you for helping our students continue this competition in NYC and for supporting this unique experience in their musical education!

The annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition Festival is considered by many to be the most prestigious competition for high school jazz ensembles in the world. It brings musicians from across the world to Jazz at Lincoln Center to spend several days immersed in workshops, jam sessions, rehearsals, and performances. One of the most innovative education events in the world, the Essentially Ellington program and resources for students and band directors are free of charge and aim to elevate musicianship, broaden perspectives, and inspire performance through the music of jazz icon, Duke Ellington.

Let's get the Huron HS Jazz Orchestra to NYC!

Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition Trip