MTHS Jazz 1 in New York City Band will perform at Essentially Ellington Friday morning

Mountlake Terrace High School Jazz 1 will perform at the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival in New York on Friday, May 9, at 9:30 a. m. Pacific. On Wednesday, students participated in an opening cheer tunnel and engaged in a Q&A session with renowned musician Wynton Marsalis. They also enjoyed a dinner with musicians from the other 29 participating bands, concluding the evening with a jam session that included members from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

On Thursday, the band rehearsed with internationally acclaimed bassist Carlos Henriquez, who offered positive feedback and performance tips for the Appel Room. The festival kicked off with 14 bands showcasing diverse talent from around the world across two venues. This year's event emphasizes the importance of jazz education and collaboration among young musicians. Mountlake Terrace Jazz 1's performance will be available for live streaming on the Jazz Live website. The festival provides a unique platform for high school jazz bands to gain exposure and experience in a professional setting.