Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Festival at St. Olaf College

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Essentially Ellington at St. Olaf

St. Olaf Jazz
in partnership with
Jazz at Lincoln Center presents
The Inaugural Annual Regional Essentially Ellington
High School Jazz Band Festival
Buntrock Commons
St. Olaf College
Northfield, MN

Entry Form Link
Entry Fee: $150.00, payable to St. Olaf College Music Dept.

On behalf of St. Olaf College, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Northfield, Minnesota for the inaugural Regional Essentially Ellington Festival. We are honored to partner with Jazz at Lincoln Center to bring this internationally recognized program to our campus and to launch what we hope will become a meaningful and lasting tradition in the Upper Midwest.

This non-competitive regional festival offers an opportunity to perform Ellington’s music and receive professional feedback from Jazz at Lincoln Center clinicians and other jazz professionals. Participating bands must perform at least one selection from the Essentially Ellington library and will receive a post-performance workshop, along with soloist awards, section awards, and recorded adjudicator feedback. In addition, bands will participate in section clinics and other educational workshops designed to support musical growth and deepen stylistic understanding.

Beyond the stage, the festival is designed to foster connection and community. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a jam session, as well as improvisation and section clinics, while directors are invited to engage in a roundtable luncheon with Jazz at Lincoln Center staff. We encourage everyone to take in the full experience—whether performing, learning, listening, or connecting with peers from across the region.

Jazz at Lincoln Center continues to be a global leader in jazz performance and education, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership in bringing their artistry, expertise, and vision to St. Olaf College. Together, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of jazz musicians and audiences.

Thank you for being part of this inaugural event at St. Olaf College.

Thank you,
Joseph L. Jefferson, DMA
Director of Jazz Ensembles
St. Olaf College