By Vikram Bala ‘20, News Editor

In 1995, the Essentially Ellington High School jazz band competition (EE) opened its doors to jazz bands in the tri-state area, and eventually grew to be the internationally recognized event it is now. Organized and run by Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC), the three day festival and competition takes place at Time Warner Center in New York City and includes various workshops, performances, jam sessions, and interactions with student musicians and members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO). One member of JLCO is Wynton Marsalis, Managing and Artistic director of JALC, and an internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and band director. Competing bands at EE include arts schools, after-school programs, public school, and private schools, the top 15 of which are invited to New York to compete in May. Considering the fierce competition of larger schools and schools dedicated specifically to music, it is impressive that NA has managed to make the final fifteen, let alone the top three.

For many members of Chameleon, this past weekend’s competition (May 10-12th) was their 2nd or 3rd time attending Ellington, maybe even their 4th in the case of trombonist Reid Christman! Regardless of experience, playing on stage and meeting bands that appeared to only exist on YouTube videos is exhilarating for everyone, including Mr. T, who has now been to EE seven times (four of which are with NA, and three with Jazz House Kids, an afterschool program in Montclair). EE sparked a huge interest in jazz for me and for many of my fellow musicians. Having a goal such as EE encourages extensive practice and dedication, though EE is not all about competing. At the awards ceremony this year, Mr. Marsalis mentioned that he hoped for EE to be a celebration of music and unification of people at a time where our country is becoming ever more divided. Ellington truly brings people together, and allowed Chameleon to interact with people from different walks of life through the shared love for music.

Mr. T has taken Chameleon to EE in 2012, 2015, 2017, and now 2018. However, this year was special in that almost half of the band were seniors. Their extensive experience and strong leadership was one of Chameleon’s major strengths this year. After receiving an honorable mention and multiple soloist awards in 2017, reaching the top 3 became one of this year’s biggest goals. Chameleon took to the stage on Friday, May 10th, the 4th band to play out of 15 total. The set featured 3 songs, Chinoiserie, I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues, and Perdido (Chinoiserie has only been played once at an NA assembly). Naturally, we all felt the pressure building while we waited to go onstage. The nine months of preparation and practice for just one performance was a thought in the back of everyone’s mind.

There’s no way to describe the feeling and “vibe” during and especially after the performance. Even watching the replay on Youtube lacks the feeling of the energy in the room –  the oohs and aahs of students when someone plays a slick line while soloing, and the look on band members’ faces. Despite feeling ecstatic about the performance, there were still mistakes, as in every other band, and one can never be certain about where they will place.

After the judges finally finished talking for what seemed like an eternity, Wynton went straight into the results, calling out Newark Academy immediately as one of the top three bands. The stunned members of Chameleon randomly began to high five, cheer, and hug one another. Tucson Jazz Institute and Dillard Center for the Arts, both of whom made the top three this year and have made it many times before, stood up and cheered, not locked in the same surreality that Chameleon was in. The showcase performance included a feature of renowned trombonist and member of JLCO, Elliot Mason (note that the showcase performance is called a showcase because the results have already been decided. The second performance is merely to showcase the top three bands).

Ben Chaddha ‘21 writes, “I’d like to thank… Mr. T, for always making sure I’m working my hardest and playing to the best of my ability.” Getting a band to Ellington is extremely hard, but getting to EE several times and doing so with a small private school is an even bigger feat. Without Mr. T none of this would be possible. The best display of everyone’s appreciation for their band directors came with a 10 minute long (yes that’s not a typo) standing ovation for all the band directors at the awards ceremony. Chameleon looks forward to the many new members taking the place of this year’s seniors, and hopes to be back in a year for another three days of pure joy.