Today, on April 18, 2024, OCSA’s jazz band presents the Jazz Band Gala from 6:00- 8:3P.M. This event is a fundraiser for OCSA’s Jazz A that will be attending the prestigious annual competition, Essentially Ellington. Tickets are $10 on MySchoolBucks and at the door. The event will be at the Expo Hall and Courtyard, where food trucks will be available. Food trucks will be open at 5:30P.M. and the band will begin to perform at 6:00P.M. Both savory and sweet options can be purchased, giving a portion of their profits to the jazz program. This gala is not a sit-down event, everyone is welcome to stroll around and visit the band in the Expo Hall as they enjoy their tasty food.
Jazz director, Mr. Jason Anderson, is very excited to take his students to host this fundraiser. “We are hoping to raise $5,000 to go to New York for the third year in a row, ” said Mr. Anderson in an interview. All four jazz bands will be performing, welcoming everyone to attend. “Everyone is welcome; neighbors, friends, family and everyone in between!” Mr. Anderson exclaims. The jazz program has been preparing for a little over a month to share their music tonight.
Essentially Ellington is a nation- wide jazz competition held at the Lincoln Center in New York. Every high school jazz band from all across the U.S. audition to participate. From these auditions, only 15 bands are selected to compete and the top 3 perform again to receive their first, second and third awards. This competition is named after Duke Ellington, jazz legend who composed, performed, and became a grand jazz music figure. For the past 2 years, Osceola County School for the Arts has taken home 2 first place wins in a row. This year they hope to make it a 3rd year of attending and a 3rd year of winning! Although stress is high, the support their community has provided has been immensely helpful.
Mr. Anderson and the rest of the jazz band encourage you to attend this gala. Everyone is invited to watch middle school and high school jazz bands perform. Come enjoy delicious food with a side of magical jazz!
