Led by Wynton Marsalis, High Schools Jazz Musicians Kick off Competition

High school musicians from across the country traveled to New York City and are competing in an annual festival hosted by Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Fifteen student bands kicked off the day Friday with a New Orleans style parade at Columbus Circle led by jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, who is also artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. 

High school students from across the country kick off NYC jazz competition 

(Rebeca Ibarra / WNYC)

It's the 22nd year of the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival and Marsalis said the students keep getting better. 

"Every year [the] kids have worked on something that shocks us," Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s managing and artistic director,  said. "This is our best time and happiest time of the year. This is all a blessing."

Students say "keep jazz in schools" @jazzdotorg @WNYC pic.twitter.com/fxhqGBgYdX

— Rebeca Ibarra (@RebeIbarraC) May 12, 2017

Rosie Martinez from Florida stood beside Marsalis during the parade holding a poster that read "Keep Jazz in Schools." The 18-year-old singer hopes events like this will highlight the need to fund arts and music programs in schools.

"All the media saw the sign, so hopefully that will get the message across," Martinez said.

"Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival" 

(Rebeca Ibarra / WNYC)

Another student visiting from Florida was 16-year-old Isaac Sepulveda. He said he couldn't believe that he'll be playing his trumpet on a Jazz at Lincoln Center stage Saturday.

"Just imagine the best dream you've ever had in your life coming true," he said. 

The festival wraps up Sunday with a concert featuring Jazz at Lincoln Center's orchestra and the three top bands.