The Tucson Jazz Institute came in third at the 23rd Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival in New York City over the weekend.
The Tucson-based music school is typically a top contender at the competition. It came in first place, beating out jazz programs and schools from across the country, in 2017.
The Jazz Institute received a trophy and $1,000 in prize money.
Soloists recognized included: Jazmin Harvey, piano; Ryan Magness, bass; Megan Petrass, drums; Ben Canfield, tenor saxophone; Denali Kauffman, piano and trombone; and Carlos Rangel, trumpet, according to a news release from the festival.
The competition also recognized the institute’s rhythm, saxophone and trumpet sections with “outstanding” titles.