Q. Is my band eligible to register to receive Essentially Ellington materials?
A. High school jazz bands in the United States, U.S. Territories, Canada, and American Schools abroad are eligible. Students must be in grades 9-12, ages between 14 and 19. Middle school, college, and professional jazz bands are ineligible. If you would like more information, please contact us.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. This year the Essentially Ellington membership fee is fully subsidized, so schools can receive the materials completely free of charge. For more information and a membership form, please see the membership page.

Q. When will I receive my box?
A. Your box will be sent by UPS ground and will arrive within two weeks from the time you join the program.

Q. Do I have to enter the Competition?
A. NO! There is no obligation. You have the choice of submitting a recording for competition, comments only, or not at all. Repertoire options also allow you to use EE charts from previous years. We encourage you to make a recording of your band for free and invaluable feedback from our professional musician/ educators.

Q. What are the charts for this year?
A. The charts are as follows:

• Harlem Speaks, 1933
• Portrait of Mahalia Jackson, 1970
• Prelude to a Kiss, 1957
• Every Day (I Have the Blues), 1955
• Swingin' the Blues, 1938
• Tippin' on the Q.T., 1952

Click here to learn more about this year's repertoire.