Photo by Jason Janning
Carroll Senior High School once again proved it belongs on the national stage, earning multiple honors at the prestigious Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, hosted by Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
While the Dragons were not among the final top-three bands in the world, their presence among an elite group of finalists — and the individual recognition they brought home — reinforced the strength and depth of Carroll’s jazz program under director David Lown.
Carroll stood out in several categories, highlighted by a trio of ensemble and individual honors. The school earned Outstanding Pep Section, a notable recognition that speaks to the band’s energy, cohesion, and ability to elevate performance atmosphere. In the brass category, Carroll’s trumpet section received an Honorable Mention, placing it among the top-performing groups in a field loaded with nationally recognized programs.
Photo by Jason Janning
Individually, Carroll musicians also made their mark. Joshua Hayden earned Honorable Mention for Bass, and Julia Fisk was recognized with an Honorable Mention for Clarinet. Michael Fradkin was named Outstanding Doubler (Alto & Tenor Saxophone).
Carroll’s achievements are especially significant given the scale and competitiveness of this year’s festival. More than 100 awards were distributed, and finalists were selected from 119 schools worldwide. Simply reaching the final stage at Essentially Ellington is considered a major accomplishment in high school jazz circles, placing Carroll among the most respected programs in the nation.
This was the eighth time Carroll's jazz band was invited to play at Essentially Ellington.