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ANAHEIM CA – 1/30/2026 – Esperanza High School’s Jazz Ensemble I has been selected as one of only 20 finalists nationwide to compete in the 31st Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Program & Festival. The event, held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, is the pinnacle of high school jazz education in North America.

Under the leadership of director Brad Davis, Esperanza HS Jazz I was chosen from a pool of hundreds of applicants across the United States and Canada. The selection process involved a rigorous blind audition of three recordings from the Jazz at Lincoln Center library. “Essentially Ellington festival is the high water mark for high school Jazz,” Mr. Davis remarks. “We are so honored to be included in this list of amazing bands from around the country and I am so proud of our students and how hard they worked to make this dream happen. This is a true testament to their dedication to their craft, and to our community’s dedication to our students and the high standards that we hold ourselves to. It’s an unbelievable honor.”

During the three-day festival from April 30th to May 2nd, 2026, students will participate in workshops, jam sessions, and rehearsals led by members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and compete in a performance judged by a panel of jazz legends, including Wynton Marsalis.

Esperanza Jazz and Mr. Davis have history with Essentially Ellington, being selected to compete in the national festival 14 years ago. Current senior trombone player, Gabriella Shanedling, comments: “We are excited to be a part of this honorable experience. We cannot wait to step into the shoes of the last band that worked hard enough to earn the same opportunity.”

The Esperanza Band program is currently seeking community support and sponsorships to help offset the
significant travel and instrument shipping costs for the ensemble. Local businesses or individuals interested
in supporting these student-ambassadors can find more information at ehseu.org.

About Esperanza High School Jazz: The Esperanza High School Band Program, located in Anaheim, California, is a premier performing arts department known for its excellence in jazz, concert, and marching arts. The program focuses on fostering musical mastery and professional discipline, consistently placing among the top ensembles in Southern California.

About Essentially Ellington: The Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Program & Festival is the nation’s premier jazz education initiative. Created by Jazz at Lincoln Center, the program aims to elevate the
musicianship of high school students by providing them with the tools and mentorship to perform the music
of Duke Ellington and other jazz masters.

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Esperanza Entertainment Unit: Esperanza High School
1830 North Kellogg Drive Anaheim, CA 92870

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FROM EEU NEWS

PERFORMANCE GROUPS

Colorguard
Riverside Community College: Saturday; January 2, 2025
Portola HS, Irvine:                      Saturday; February 1, 2025
San Diego WGI Regional :         Saturday; February  22, 2025
Colony HS, Ontario:                   Saturday; March 1, 2025
Murrieta Mesa HS, Murrieta:   Saturday; March 15, 2025
WCWG Finals: Saturday,  March 29, 2025
https://wgasc.org

Concert Ensemble
Dec 20 Holiday Concert with Orchestra at EHS
Mar 12 Pre-Festival Concert in the EHS Theater
Mar 26 SCSBOA Festival at the District PAC
May 1 Area Night in Valencia Gym
May 2 Orientation Rehearsals
May 28 Café Jazztec, Chamber Music 6pm
May 29 Spring Concert at EHS

Jazz Bands
Jan 9, 23 – District Jam Sessions 6-7:30p.m. (9-EHS, 23-VHS)
Feb 1 – Friends of Jazz concert at Lone Wolf Brewery (Jazz I) 1p.m.
Feb 6, 20 – District Jam Sessions 6-7:30p.m. (6-EDHS, 20-All Star Jam- EHS Theater)
February 13-16 – Southwest Essentially Ellington Regional- Jazz I and II (leaving after lunch)
Feb 22 – Western States Jazz Festival at Upland High School–Jazz I, II, III
March 1 – SoCal Essentially Ellington Regional at RCC- Jazz I, II, III
March 8 – 23rd Annual Aztec Jazz Festival (All day event and All students volunteer)
March 11 – Pre-Festival Concert in the EHS Theater 6p.m. w/OCSCS
March 15 – Irvine Jazz Festival Jazz I, II, III
April 24-April 27 – Jazz I and Jazz II California Jazz Championships Invitational
May 6-12 – Essentially Ellington in NY, NY Jazz I TENT, Pending Audition*
May 22 – Big Band Blowout_, Esperanza Theater Esperanza Jazz I, II,III & Bernardo Yorba (rehearsal 5/21)
June 16-19 – Concert Band Camp / Jazz Band Camp for returning & new members. EHS Band Room

Percussion Ensemble
February 8th La Quinta HS   
March 2nd Monrovia HS    
March 16th Great Oak HS  
March 22nd Championship A Class Prelims @ Rancho Cucamonga HS


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