News Summary
The Memphis Central High School Jazz Band claimed a first-place victory at the 30th Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival in New York City. Competing against 127 international schools, the band not only won the Top Band award but excelled in six categories. This triumph reflects the dedication of its members and their director, Dr. Ollie Liddell, and resulted in a $10,000 prize to support jazz education at Central High School.
Memphis – Memphis Central High School’s Jazz Band secured an impressive first-place finish at the prestigious 30th Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival, held in New York City on May 11, 2025. This notable victory showcases the band’s exceptional talent as they competed against a record 127 schools from around the globe.
The competition, hosted by Jazz at Lincoln Center, marked a historic moment as it allowed international bands to participate for the first time. The increase in submissions led to a rise in finalists from 15 to 30, intensifying the competition among some of the best high school jazz bands worldwide. Memphis Central High’s Jazz Band emerged victorious, earning the coveted Top Band award and overcoming strong contenders both nationally and internationally.
Despite the formidable nature of the competition, many members of Central High’s Jazz Band had minimal experience with jazz music prior to high school. Under the dedicated guidance of Dr. Ollie Liddell, who has been directing the band for the last 13 years, these students have excelled in their musical journey.
In addition to winning the Top Band accolade, the Central High School Jazz Band demonstrated their versatility and skill by placing first overall in six different categories during the festival. This accomplishment was complemented by the recognition of three individual student members who also received awards for their outstanding performances.
In light of their remarkable achievement, a celebration event titled “Memphis to Manhattan and Back” was organized to honor the Jazz Band. This event featured guest performances and public acknowledgments, further fostering community pride and appreciation for the students’ hard work and dedication.
The prestigious competition awarded Central High School a first prize of $10,000, an important funding boost that will be allocated to support the school’s jazz education program, ensuring that future generations of students can continue to develop their musical talents.
Local officials highlighted the significance of this victory for Memphis, emphasizing the city’s reputation as a hub of musical talent and artistic excellence. The Director of Creative & Cultural Economy for Memphis noted the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of local artists and cultural organizations, reaffirming the value they bring to the community.
The excitement and pride within the Memphis community were palpable as many Memphians gathered to celebrate the Jazz Band’s success outside Central High School. The collective support for the students exemplifies the city’s commitment to nurturing and encouraging young talent.
This victory not only demonstrates the Hard work and perseverance of the students but also signifies a bright future for Memphis’s jazz scene, as emerging musicians continue to prove their capabilities on international stages.
As the city celebrates this remarkable achievement, it also looks forward to the continued development of its music programs, providing inspiration and opportunities for aspiring jazz musicians in the years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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The Memphis Flyer Celebrates Over 30 Years of Service
Memphis Central High School Jazz Band Wins Prestigious Award
Additional Resources
- Local Memphis
- Wikipedia: Jazz
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Google Search: Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition
- Memphis Flyer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz
- Action News 5
- Google News: Memphis Central High School Jazz Band
