Roosevelt High School’s storied Jazz Band is one of only 15 high school jazz bands nationwide (out of 100 applicants) who were selected to participate in the 28th Annual Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival and Competition in New York City (May 11-13, 2023).
Essentially Ellington is a three-day immersion in jazz workshops, jam sessions, rehearsals, performances (not to mention, a competition) in New York City. Students will meet jazz practitioners who are the top in their field, have opportunities to perform at the “House of Swing” (Frederick P. Rose Hall at Lincoln Center) receive professional feedback, as well as experience the music scene in New York City.
While Roosevelt High School has participated in Essentially Ellington 23 times since 1999, the achievement is especially sweet this year, as Covid-19 severely hampered music programs all across the globe in the past few years. RHS Bands also embarked on a new era in the fall of 2022 with the hiring of our incredibly talented and inspiring director, Hannah Mowry, who will be one of a handful of women directors to take the Ellington stage. Being selected to participate in this year’s festival is recognition of hours of practice and years of hard work our talented students and director have put into their craft.
But with this amazing opportunity comes significant costs. Our Roosevelt Jazz Band Boosters is grateful for your help in making this dream a reality for these deserving students. Seattle Public Schools provides a small amount of financial support to Roosevelt Jazz; most funds are raised by families through basic dues and other activities. Thanks to your donations we were able to ensure each and every student who is invited can fully participate in this unique and rewarding musical experience. Thank you for supporting the Roosevelt Jazz GoFundMe campaign. We raised more than $15,000!