New World School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble returned to New York City to compete in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 30th annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival. This year’s special anniversary competition featured 30 bands from the United States and from around the globe, including Australia, Japan, and Spain – instead of the usual 15. The NWSA Jazz Ensemble participated participating in workshops and performed at the Essentially Ellington competition at the historic Metropolitan Opera House – Lincoln Center, NYC.
Under the direction of NWSA faculty Jim Gasior, the NWSA Jazz band moved on to the final round of the top ten bands. New World School of the Arts Jazz band was awarded one of four awards given for each – “Outstanding Rhythm Section” and “Outstanding Trombone Section.” Additionally, three students were awarded “Outstanding Soloist” awards, and one student received an “Honorable Mention Soloist” award. The students are Ryan Kaplan, Tenor Saxophone; Zach Balding, Trumpet; Ryu Chan, Guitar; Benji Riggio, Alto Saxophone.
“I am proud of the work the students displayed at this year’s competition. The students worked hard leading up to the event, under the fine leadership of Professor Gasior. Preparing for an elite competition, aired worldwide, elevates students’ skills, so again, New World School of the Arts delivers on its promise of excellence in education and performance.”
Dr. Daniel Andai, NWSA Dean of Music
In more than two decades, New World School of the Arts has participated in the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival more than a dozen times and has placed in the top three on seven occasions – 1st, and 2nd twice, and 3rd place three times, including 2023.
“We live and breathe this music all year round, so we celebrate this music from August through June and through the summer,” said Gasior. “It’s an incredible opportunity to just share it with others, to share it with friends and family. I am proud of them, and we work hard, and some of the students just are so, so committed to the music. It’s great to see the young men and women being committed to something and working hard towards long-term goals. It’s great to see.”
Numerous New World School of the Arts jazz students have been recognized for their musicianship on a national scale. NWSA students have also received Downbeat Student Music Awards, YoungArts talent search awards, and have been selected to perform with the NWSA High School Grammy Band in Los Angeles, California.
The academic music curriculum at New World School of the Arts fosters creativity and develops a knowledge of musical heritage. Course work develops the student’s growth and maturity in comprehensive musicianship. The study of music history and theory is pursued by taking a variety of classes, including foundations of music; surveys of music history in the western world, jazz and pop music in America, and music of the world’s people; and seminars in composition aesthetics, jazz improvisation, chamber music, and general musicianship. Students receive private lessons each term. The Private Lesson program offered by the music division is unique. Each student has the privilege of studying on a one-on-one basis with the New World artist faculty. Rigorous daily practice and preparation is expected of each student with their progress closely monitored. Each student is required to perform a solo jury at the end of each semester before the entire faculty of their area. Information about New World School of the Arts music division at 305-237-3622.
A Florida center of excellence in the visual and performing arts, New World School of the Arts is an educational partnership of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, and University of Florida. NWSA provides a comprehensive program of artistic, creative, and academic development through a curriculum that reflects our community and the rich multicultural state of Florida. Through our partners NWSA confers the high school diploma, Associate of Arts degree, and Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees in programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, Music, Theater and Art & Design. NWSA’s rigorous eight-year curriculum and conservatory-style teaching has empowered students in our community and our nation to become leaders in the arts for more three decades. Information about New World School of the Arts at 305-237-3135 or nwsa.mdc.edu.