The 31st annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival unfolded from 30 April to 2 May at New York’s prestigious Lincoln Center, gathering talented young musicians from across the United States. This year’s event saw the reconnection of Chris Faison and his former mentor Chris De Leon, both of whom now lead their own jazz programmes in Florida, offering a blend of nostalgia and friendly rivalry.
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Faison, who leads the jazz band at Tarpon Springs High School in Florida, reflected on how De Leon, who previously taught him, introduced him to the world of jazz as a high school freshman. “I was a decent saxophone player, but I knew nothing about jazz. He opened my eyes to the whole concept, showing me its depth and culture,” Faison explained. The relationship between the two has matured into one characterised by mutual respect and shared values regarding education in jazz.
During their time together, Faison absorbed lessons that have influenced his teaching philosophy. He emphasised that, above the technical aspects of jazz, it is vital that “jazz should sound good but more importantly, it should feel good.” This sentiment harkens back to the values De Leon impressed upon him as a young musician. De Leon fondly recalls Faison’s passion and talent even as a middle schooler, noting his exceptional ability to immerse himself in music and learn deeply.
This year’s competition featured an array of events aimed at fostering connections among budding musicians and their mentors. The festival included section-specific masterclasses, jam sessions with members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and pre-performance rehearsals, culminating in an evening of celebration. De Leon highlighted that despite the event bearing the title of a competition, it serves as a grand celebration of jazz music and the community surrounding it.
Both instructors are proud representatives of the jazz tradition, with De Leon’s band from the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach securing third place overall. Both De Leon and Faison view their participation in the festival as an opportunity to connect with the jazz community rather than merely a contest. “It’s about sharing the love of jazz,” De Leon asserted. “This is an oral tradition. If we don’t pass it down, it won’t survive.”
As the festival coincided with Teacher Appreciation Day on 5 May, both band leaders took a moment to reflect on their teaching journeys. De Leon believes that jazz embodies essential human values, such as listening and allowing space for differing opinions. “There’s nothing more American or more human than jazz,” he mused. “Children should be exposed to these values as they are crucial to understanding life and society.”
The festival not only provided an environment for musical growth, but it also forged lasting connections among aspiring musicians. “This event creates a magical atmosphere,” De Leon stated, “where kids can meet like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds who share the same ambition. They form incredible connections that last a lifetime.”
Faison echoed this sentiment, highlighting the communal aspect of the festival. “This is a gathering where it feels less like a competition and more about love and support for one another,” he remarked. Such camaraderie reinforces the belief that jazz is fundamentally a shared experience, steeped in tradition and friendship.
With their respective bands participating in this remarkable festival, both Faison and De Leon have exemplified the enduring impact of mentorship and the power of music to create community across generations. The Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival continues to be a cornerstone for the future of jazz, ensuring that the art form remains vibrant and accessible to young talent.