In a dazzling celebration of youth jazz excellence, Osceola County School for the Arts (OCSA) Jazz Band A once again took the national stage by storm, once again finishing in the Top 3 in the world at the 30th annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Held Sunday afternoon at the prestigious Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, the final round of the competition brought together the world’s top three high school jazz bands, selected from a record 127 applicants. The three finalists were:
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Memphis Central High School – 1st Place Winner
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Sant Andreu Jazz Band (Barcelona, Spain) – 2nd Place
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Osceola County School for the Arts (Kissimmee, FL) – 3rd Place
This marks back-to-back Top 3 finishes for OCSA, who placed second in last year’s competition, and 1st the year prior. Under the direction of accomplished bandleader Jason Anderson, whose own son is a trumpeter in the ensemble, the group delivered a passionate and technically brilliant performance before a packed house and jazz luminaries including Wynton Marsalis and members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
The festival — now in its 30th year — welcomed international participation for the first time, with Barcelona’s Sant Andreu Jazz Band making an unforgettable debut. Memphis Central High School, also competing in person for the first time, claimed the top prize and was honored for both musical excellence and inspiring student journeys.
OCSA was a standout from the start of the week-long festivities, with two of its students appearing on NBC’s TODAY show on Friday, showcasing the talent and spirit that continues to define the school’s nationally renowned jazz program.
Throughout the five-day festival, students engaged in jam sessions, workshops, and mentorships with world-class musicians. The final competition on Sunday was followed by a concert by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and an emotional awards ceremony.
“This band continues to be a source of pride for Osceola County and for the entire state of Florida,” said a school spokesperson. “Their dedication, musicianship, and love for jazz are unmatched, and we know they will return home with heads held high.”
As the Essentially Ellington program celebrates its milestone 30th year, the future of jazz looks bright — and Osceola County School for the Arts remains at the heart of that future.
