Dragon Jazz Orchestra Selected as one of the World's Best

A Carroll student orchestra has joined the ranks of the word's best, and will travel to New York later this year to perform.

The Carroll Jazz Orchestra recently earned an invitation to return to the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival—one of the most prestigious honors in jazz education. This marks the eighth time in program history that Carroll has received this invitation, the most of any Texas high school.

“I'm excited to go to New York again,” said Carroll Junior Sophia Kidwell, who plays alto saxophone in the orchestra, "And I'm grateful to share the experience with the team." 

Presented annually by Jazz at Lincoln Center, Essentially Ellington is widely regarded as the premier national jazz education forum and competition for high school ensembles. Dedicated to the preservation of big band jazz, the event focuses on the music of jazz icon Duke Ellington and other prominent composers like Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie.

Since its founding in 1995, the festival has provided students with access to authentic Duke Ellington charts, world-class workshops, professional adjudication, and the opportunity to learn from and perform alongside leading jazz artists from across the country.

This year’s competition is especially historic, as it marks the first time the event expanded its finalist selection to include high school jazz ensembles from around the world. With a record number of international submissions, being named one of the top 20 high school jazz ensembles globally is a remarkable achievement for Carroll’s student musicians and directors.

“We are incredibly proud to represent Carroll Senior High and all of Dragon Nation at Lincoln Center," said Jazz Band Director David Lown, "we earn it each year due to the talent and hard work of these amazing student musicians.”

The Carroll Jazz Orchestra will travel to New York City from April 30 through May 2 to compete on one of jazz’s most iconic stages. During the festival, students will perform, collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, and proudly represent Carroll ISD and the Southlake community on a global platform.