ABOUT JAZZ IN THE CHI

The Jazz in the Chi Festival, presented by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, is an educational event for high school, middle school, and elementary school jazz ensembles. The Essentially Ellington Regional High School Jazz Band Festival takes place within Jazz in the Chi and is co-produced by Jazz at Lincoln Center.

• All participating ensembles perform a short set of music followed by a clinic with the adjudicating clinicians. 

• Each group receives written and recorded feedback to support continued growth long after the festival. 

• Workshops, master classes, and a vendor fair with colleges, arts organizations, and music merchants create an immersive experience for students and directors. 

• Ensemble directors also enjoy a luncheon with the clinicians, and students participate in events featuring guest artists and educators.
  

The Essentially Ellington Regional High School Jazz Band Festival offers high school big bands of all levels the opportunity to perform and receive professional feedback on the music of Duke Ellington and other important big band composers and arrangers. 

• Participating bands must join Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington program and perform at least one chart from the Essentially Ellington library. 

• This free program provides original transcriptions, teaching guides, access to original recordings, and interactive rehearsal videos featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. 

• Clinicians from Jazz at Lincoln Center work directly with each band following their performance.

  Master classes and workshops at the 2026 Jazz in the Chi Festival will be led by Jazz Studies faculty from the DePaul University School of Music.

  The DePaul School of Music is one of Chicago’s premier destinations for jazz education. Students studying at DePaul work closely with renowned faculty artist-teachers and develop their musicianship through a combination of rigorous coursework and extensive performance opportunities.  Alumni of DePaul’s jazz program can be heard performing across Chicago and around the world, and they also teach at leading institutions.

  Midday Sessions (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)

  • Saxophone Techniques — Scott Burns

  • Brass Techniques — Chad McCullough

  • Rhythm Section Techniques — Dana Hall