Memphis Central High School wins international jazz band competition
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A local high school in the city of Memphis made a huge accomplishment this weekend.
On Sunday, THE Memphis Central High School Jazz Band placed first at the Essentially Ellington International High School Jazz Band Competition.
The band was announced on Saturday as one of the three finalists in the competition before ultimately winning it all on Mother’s Day.
The local band accomplished the following:
- Outstanding Trumpet Section
- Outstanding Trombone Section
- Outstanding Rhythm Section
- Outstanding Alto Saxophone Soloist: Jackson Hankins
- Outstanding Trumpet Soloist: Kingston Grandberry
- Outstanding Trombone Soloist: Marqese Cobb
- First Place Winner
The following band members from Memphis Central also received personal achievements:
- Jackson Hankins - Outstanding Alto Saxophone
- Marqese Cobb - Outstanding Trombone
- Kingston Grandberry - Outstanding Trumpet
The competition hosted the top high school jazz ensembles across the world in New York, which began on May 7 and capped off on Sunday evening.
The Director of Bands, Ollie Liddell, gave a statement to Action News 5 on the achievement.
“I am elated that we could bring this back to our school and our city! I am truly amazed and happy for our students at Central High.”
Memphis Central took home the first place trophy and a $10,000 prize which will go towards the jazz education program for the school.
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