Jacobs Jazz Orchestra Heads to Essentially Ellington 2026

Young Lions Jazz Conservatory's Jacobs Jazz Orchestra (JJO) is heading to New York City to compete in Jazz at Lincoln Center's prestigious Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, one of the most celebrated jazz education events in the country.

The annual festival brings together top high school jazz ensembles from across the nation to perform the music of Duke Ellington, receive mentorship from world-class musicians, and experience the culture of jazz at its highest level. For the students of the Jacobs Jazz Orchestra, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent San Diego on a national stage.

Under the direction of Artistic Director and Founder Gilbert Castellanos, the ensemble

departs Monday, April 27 and returns Sunday, May 3.

Here's a look at the week:

• Monday, April 27 — Travel day. The ensemble flies from San Diego to New York City.
  

• Tuesday, April 28 — Sightseeing. Students explore the city, including a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and a visit to The Edge observation deck.

  
  

• Wednesday, April 29 — Rehearsal day. A full afternoon of rehearsal at Michiko Studios in Midtown Manhattan, followed by a group dinner generously provided by photographer, Robert Howe. 🙏

  
  

• Thursday, April 30 — Festival welcome day. Official Essentially Ellington events begin, including a Q&A with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, section workshops, and evening jam sessions.

  
  

• Friday, May 1 — Competition day. The ensemble attends Competition Parts 1 and 2, watching fellow bands perform as the field is evaluated.

  
  

• Saturday, May 2 — Performance day. Jacobs Jazz Orchestra takes the stage at 10:00 AM PST (1:00 PM EST) at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

  
  

JACOBS JAZZ ORCHESTRA (JJO)

Directed by Gilbert Castellanos

🎷SAXES: Kahlil Childs, Madhav Ramaprasad, Niko Gutierrez, Jordan Yeage, Bobby Latona.

🎺TROMBONES: Miles Dixon, Thea Smith, Brianna Dwyer, Collette Cruz.

🎺TRUMPETS: Jad Marrewa, Luca Posillico, Tiam Khosravan, Elias Nuspl, Seraphina Bush.

RHYTHM SECTION: 🎸 Sebastian Nilsson, 🎹 Malik Minert , 🎻 Collier Keitany, 🥁 Henry Hartnack, 🥁 Sean Edora.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of Dr. Irwin Jacobs, whose commitment to jazz education and to YLJC students continues to open doors that change young lives. 🙏❤️

Watch Live: Can't make it to New York? The live stream is free and all events will be available using the link below.

💻 Watch the FREE Live Stream here: 👉 https://jazz.org/education/school-programs/essentially-ellington/

Attend in Person: If you'll be in New York City, tickets are on sale now to see the Jacobs Jazz Orchestra perform live at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Saturday, May 2.

Tickets: https://ticketing.jazz.org/21004/21008?z=0

We couldn't be more proud of these young musicians. Cheer them on as they take the stage and represent San Diego at one of jazz's most prestigious stages.

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