The Osceola County School for the Arts (OCSA) Jazz Band A has once again earned national recognition, placing third at the prestigious 30th annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center. The finals were held on Sunday at New York City’s famed Metropolitan Opera House, capping a weeklong celebration of jazz education and performance.
OCSA’s placement marks its third consecutive Top 3 finish at the internationally acclaimed event. The school previously earned second place in 2024 and first place in 2023, solidifying its position as a consistent leader among high school jazz programs.
This year’s finalists were selected from a record-breaking 127 applicants, a pool that, for the first time, included international entries. The three bands selected to perform in the finals were:
Memphis Central High School – 1st Place
Sant Andreu Jazz Band (Barcelona, Spain) – 2nd Place
Osceola County School for the Arts (Kissimmee, FL) – 3rd Place
Under the direction of Jason Anderson, the OCSA ensemble delivered a dynamic and technically sophisticated performance to a full audience, which included jazz icon Wynton Marsalis and members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Anderson’s son, a trumpeter in the band, was among the featured performers.
Throughout the five-day festival, students from across the country—and, for the first time, around the world—participated in jam sessions, masterclasses, and mentorship experiences with some of the top names in jazz. The final round of competition was followed by a concert by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and a heartfelt awards ceremony recognizing not just musical excellence but also the journeys and dedication of the student musicians.
OCSA made its presence known early in the week, with two of its students featured live on NBC’s TODAY Show, highlighting the school’s longstanding commitment to excellence in jazz education.
This year’s festival was a milestone for the Essentially Ellington program, now celebrating its 30th anniversary. It also marked the first time international bands were eligible to compete in person, with Sant Andreu Jazz Band of Barcelona earning widespread praise for its debut.
With another top-tier finish, OCSA continues to build on its legacy of national acclaim, contributing to Central Florida’s growing reputation as a hub for youth musical talent.