Portledge in the Now.

Portledge Jazz Band Shines at Essentially Ellington, Earning Top Soloist Honors!

Jeff Suzda
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The Portledge Upper School Jazz Band was honored to be invited to perform at the 30th annual Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival on February 3rd, 2025, at the Tilles Center. With world-renowned judges and clinicians associated with Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Portledge musicians were recognized with five outstanding soloist awards - the most of any ensemble participating - for their compelling improvised solos and musical interpretations. 

The group performed excellently on the main stage and played classic and modern jazz pieces. Opening the day with a modern jazz number, 'Strasbourg St. Denis,' the audience was immediately impressed by tasteful improvised solos from Sebastian R. ‘27 (piano), Zach R. ‘26 (trombone), Aarosh S. ‘27 (clarinet), and Luke O. ‘25 (alto saxophone). The group then moved back almost 100 years to a Duke Ellington classic 'Black Beauty' which skillfully featured the banjo by Asa B. ‘27 under melodic solos from the horns before a middle section featuring the delicate interplay between pianist Sebastian R .’27 and bassist Caden Y. ‘27. The band closed their set with a high-energy Snarky Puppy piece entitled 'Skate U', which showcased the energetic percussion work of Jacob M. ‘25 and Jacob C. ‘28 supporting a virtuosic bass solo by Caden Y. ‘27and dueling guitars from Asa B. ‘27 and Will B. ‘25.

After their performance, they received a specialized clinic with Summer Camargo (trumpet for Saturday Night Live) and Jeff Lederer (NYC saxophonist and LIU assistant professor of jazz). During this session, each musician received individual feedback and had the opportunity to learn from some of the best musicians on the jazz scene today.  After this, the group decided to all go back on stage and play more music with other high school and college musicians from the festival in a jam session, where they used their skills to improvise and spontaneously create arrangements. Lastly, the participating groups were all broken up by instrument for specialized masterclasses focusing on unique aspects of each instrument in a jazz context.

The students had an amazing time participating in this special opportunity and were invited to return next year! In addition, they have the opportunity to go to NYC and sit in on a rehearsal with the world-famous Jazz At Lincoln Center big band, followed by a masterclass with their musicians.
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