JAZZ IN THE CHI FESTIVAL

ABOUT JAZZ IN THE CHI

The Jazz in the Chi Festival, presented by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, is an educational event for high school, middle school, and elementary school jazz ensembles. The Essentially Ellington Regional High School Jazz Band Festival takes place within Jazz in the Chi and is co-produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center.

• All participating ensembles perform a short set of music followed by a clinic with the adjudicating clinicians. 

• Each group receives written and recorded feedback to support continued growth long after the festival. 

• Workshops, master classes, and a vendor fair with colleges, arts organizations, and music merchants create an immersive experience for students and directors. 

• Ensemble directors also enjoy a luncheon with the clinicians, and students participate in events featuring guest artists and educators.
  

The Essentially Ellington Regional High School Jazz Band Festival offers high school big bands of all levels the opportunity to perform and receive professional feedback on the music of Duke Ellington and other important big band composers and arrangers. 

• Participating bands must join Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington program and perform at least one chart from the Essentially Ellington library. 

• This free program provides original transcriptions, teaching guides, access to original recordings, and interactive rehearsal videos featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. 

• Clinicians from Jazz at Lincoln Center work directly with each band following their performance.