It has to start somewhere... (...and the Essentially Ellington competition in NYC was Allen Kanovsky's start and finish for the weekend!)

Submitted by Al Kanovsky 05/11/14

...and in this case it's the teachers (read "band directors"). They are special people and have to be multi-tasked. Educator, psychologist, psychiatrist, expert in human and social behavior, confidant and advisor. They deal with youngsters who are evolving as people and musicians. You think being a parent, raising a teen-ager is tough? Try 16 or 20 of them at once. So I would like to recognize and applaud all those who had bands in the Essentially Ellington Competition this year. This in the order their bands appeared.

Mr. Miguel Alvarado, Osceola School for the Arts, Kissimmee FL.

Mr. Matthew Wenman, Mt. Si High School, Snoqualme WA.

Mr, Daniel Strange, Community Arts Program, Coral Gables, FL.

Mr. Steve Sveum, Sun Prairie H.S. Sun Praire WI.

Mr. Doug Tidaback, Tucson JAZZ Institute, Tucson AZ.

Mr, Andrew Held, Lexington H.S. Lexington Mass.

Mr. Scott Brown, Roosevelt H.S, Seattle, WA.

Mr. Doglas Olsen, Medfield H.S. Medfield, Mass,

Mr Julius Tolentino, JAZZ House Kids, Montclair, N.J.

Mr. Peter Sampson, Whiteland Community H.S. Whiteland  Ind.

Mr, Chris Behrens, Beloit Memorial H.S. Beloit, WI.

Mr. Clarence Acox, Garfield H.S. Seattle, WA.

Mr. David Lawn, Carroll Senior H.S., Southland TX.

Mr. Josh Murray, Rio Americano H.S. Sacramento, CA.

Mr. Christopher Dorsey, Dillard Center for the Arts, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

I had heard 7 of the bands on Friday and the remainig 8 yesterday. Each one in turn impressed me in different ways. Some with their unison work, others with their featured soloist or vocalist. They all had something to offer musically. The 5 judges, Wynton Marsalis, David Berger, Jeff Hamilton, Chuck Israels and Chris Crenshaw did not have an easy task. The top three were in a point or 2 of each other. During commentary by the judges, I found it interesting that their comments covered a wide range of thought.

Chris commented on nuance and the little things. Jeff spoke about how the level of competition has gotten better every year and how each band member must help the others in reaching higher. Dave's comments were about understanding the arrangements and the conversation between the rhythm section and the horns. Chuck's words were reflective of the thought I hold that listening and judging music or musicians is not an objective art--who's the best? He also said that even during periods when you are not playing part of the chart, "never go away". It is important to stay involved from the count-off to the final note. Wynton Marsalis is a charmer. His comments are filled with humor and warmth. "You can't fix it, 'cause you didn't mess it up". He mentioned one of the bands all-girl trombone section when they did "Flirty Bird". When talking about competition placement and disappointments, his words were "Move on with style and dignity."

They announced the top three in no particular order with the final result to be announced at the Awards Ceremony later that evening.  They were JAZZ House Kids, Tucson JAZZ Institute and Dillard Center for the Arts. I was worn out and weary. Recovery from recent surgeries has taken its toll. I headed back to my daughter and son-in-laws home to watch the rest on a live stream. Dillard is my local H.S. and therfore I show a little favoritism. During the awards ceremonies lots of kids from all over the U.S. got individual awards, The winners from Dillard included awards for outstanding rhythm section and individual awards for Max Holm, Ulysses McLover, Chris Mills, Zach Auslander, Zachary McKinney Christian Cummings, Ben Stocker and Anthony Hervey. The band competition had placed Tucson JAZZ Institute in first place, JAZZ House Kids 2d and Dillard Center 3d. This is the third year of Dillard in the top three, an honor in its self.

Congrats to all who competed and to Dillard "Let's do it again, next year.

Al's Disclaimer:

A short note: The reason I write this is because I love music and words. I do not book acts. I do not promote acts. I do not accept invitations to review artists. I go to venues of my own choice. When and where is not influenced by anything other than who I would like to hear that night or day. If I don't like what I hear, I won't write about it. When I like it I let you all know. I never mention a name without asking permission. "Pardon me, Miss. Would you like to dance?"       

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