News Summary
The Memphis Central High School Warrior Band achieved a significant milestone by winning first place at the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition in New York City. The competition featured top high school jazz bands from across the U.S., and the Warrior Band’s victory reflects the community’s support for arts education. They received a trophy and a $10,000 prize to enhance the school’s jazz program, with a special celebration planned to honor their achievement.
Memphis — The Memphis Central High School Warrior Band achieved a remarkable milestone by winning first place at the 29th annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival held in New York City. This prestigious event, organized by Jazz at Lincoln Center, invited only the top 15 high school jazz bands in the United States to compete, making the Warrior Band’s victory an outstanding accomplishment for the Memphis community.
The competition took place at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and featured talented bands from around the world, with Central High being one of just 30 bands selected for the event. The Warrior Band, directed by Ollie Liddell and consisting of 24 dedicated members, showcased their musical excellence and creativity, ultimately impressing judges and audiences alike with their performance.
For their achievement, the Memphis Central High School Warrior Band received a trophy and a cash prize of $10,000. This financial reward will be allocated to support the school’s jazz education program, further nurturing the musical talents of students in the area.
To commemorate the band’s victory, the city is hosting a special jazz celebration titled “Memphis to Manhattan and Back,” taking place on Thursday at 6 PM at the New Daisy Theatre on Beale Street. This free event will feature guest performances and serve as a platform to acknowledge the students’ hard work and dedication leading up to their success.
City officials have expressed pride in the Warrior Band’s accomplishment. The Director of Creative and Cultural Economy for the City of Memphis highlighted this achievement as a testament to the city’s rich culture and creative ingenuity. The Mayor of Memphis echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of recognizing local talent in the music scene.
The emotional response from students and supporters was palpable as they celebrated a victory that seemed improbable just months earlier. Earlier this year, band director Ollie Liddell initiated a fundraising campaign aimed at covering the expenses for the band’s trip to New York City, garnering overwhelming support from the Memphis community. This outpouring of support exemplified the city’s commitment to its young artists and their pursuits.
Central High’s performance was distinguished not only for its technical precision but also for its profound emotional resonance, captivating both judges and attendees. The band displayed remarkable energy throughout their set, showcasing the hard work and dedication of each member, which has ultimately led to this prestigious win.
In conclusion, the Memphis Central High School Warrior Band’s victory at the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival signifies not just a personal success for the band but also represents a larger cultural achievement for Memphis. The city’s ongoing support for arts education and local talent continues to foster an environment that nurtures creativity and encourages artistic expression among its youth.
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Additional Resources
- Local Memphis
- We Are Memphis
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Action News 5
- Commercial Appeal
- Wikipedia: Jazz
- Google Search: Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition
- Google Scholar: Jazz Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz
- Google News: Memphis Jazz Band
