Wow. You have to see this for yourself one day. The final concert of the three top placing bands from American high schools that compete playing Duke Ellington music. It is sponsored by Lincoln Center and overseen by Wynton Marsalis. More than 1700 high school bands are part of the EE network. 111 bands sent in recordings of their bands playing three compositions for consideration for the competition. 15 bands are chosen, blind. These 15 bands [and their directors and a slew of parents] come to the City to compete against each other. Each band receives a mentor, who is one of the 15 members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Members such as Marcus Pintup- trumpet, Ted Nash, alto and soprano sax/clarinet, Ali Jackson, drums, Carlos Henriquez, bass, the list goes on to be 15 of the best jazz artists today. They start competing on Saturday and by Sunday 4:00 the final three bands names are posted. It is not until after the concert of the finalist three bands, the Jazz at Lincoln Center band and a host of individual awards that the winner is known. It is exciting to be #3. It is tough when #2 is announced, because you know you are not #1. Tonight’s winner was Dillard Center for the Arts Jazz Ensemble, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. These kids and they are kids, are amazing with what they bring to the platform. Out of these 15 bands they give individual awards in all of the sections and the individual instruments. The two awards I found most amazing: A member of the Ellington Big Band, Tucson Jazz Institute, Tucson, AZ Max Goldschmid won an award Marsalis said, because never had they had someone who played so many instruments. He said they were dumbstruck and all they could say was watch out! The award to a member of the New World School of the Arts High School Jazz Ensemble, Miami Fl. Anthony [Tony] Madruga – a pianist – because Marsalis said he was so on his game in every way, he was as professional as any player Marsalis had ever met. He should be playing with us, he said. And this boy is in high school. I found out about all of this because I watched a documentary titled: Chops. It was released in 2006. Worth an evening of viewing. But attending the event is even more. Can not wait for next year when it starts all over again.