KISSIMMEE, Fla. — In a historic achievement that places Osceola County on the global stage, the Osceola County School for the Arts Jazz A Band has been named the No. 1 high school jazz band in the world, capturing first place at the 31st Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival in New York City.
The internationally recognized competition, presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center, concluded Saturday at Frederick P. Rose Hall, where the top high school jazz ensembles from around the world performed in a final concert and awards ceremony. Out of 119 schools that submitted recordings, only 20 elite programs were selected to compete—making Osceola County School for the Arts’ victory even more significant.
Directed by Jason Anderson, the Kissimmee-based ensemble rose to the top of a highly competitive field, earning the first-place trophy along with a $5,000 award to support the school’s jazz education program.
Led by Director of Jazz Studies Jason Anderson, the Jazz A Band has built a reputation as one of the nation’s premier high school jazz programs, with previous first-place finishes in 2022 and 2023. This latest victory further cements the program’s standing among the best in the country.
“This year’s competition was the most competitive in Essentially Ellington history,” said Wynton Marsalis, Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, noting the high level of musicianship displayed throughout the event.
The three-day festival, held from April 30 through May 2, coincided with International Jazz Day and featured masterclasses, jam sessions, and performances alongside members of the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The competition celebrates the legacy of Duke Ellington while giving students the opportunity to perform at a professional level.
Osceola’s Jazz A Band not only secured the top overall honor but also earned multiple individual and section recognitions, highlighting the depth of talent within the program. Several students received awards for outstanding performances across instruments including guitar, drums, congas, clarinet, trombone, and trumpet, while the ensemble’s trumpet section was also recognized among the best.
For Osceola County, the win represents more than a national title—it reflects years of dedication, discipline, and musical excellence from both students and educators. As the final notes echoed through one of the world’s most iconic jazz venues, a program rooted in Kissimmee once again proved it belongs on the global stage.
