Watch the Tarpon Springs Jazz Ensemble LIVE from Lincoln Center participating in the annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival. One of the most innovative jazz education events in the world. The ensemble is scheduled to perform at approximately 10 AM May 2nd. Watch the live stream here: https://www.jazzlive.com/events/may-2-ee-2026-competition-part-iii-iv

Launched in 1995, Essentially Ellington is a free program for high school jazz bands that aims to elevate musicianship, broaden perspectives, and inspire performance. EE provides high school and college band directors with resources for the study and performance of big band music.

The East Lake High School Performing Arts Department earned top honors at the Smoky Mountain Music Festival. The competition was held April 17-18 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

The Symphonic Band and Orchestra each received first place in Division 4A, with the band earning the highest overall score among all high school instrumental ensembles at the festival.

Violinist Margarita Gracheva, flautist Alana Samson, cellist Julia Liedtke, and percussionist Sebastian Young were recognized for their solo performances.

The flute section and mallet percussion section were also recognized for musical excellence. The Choir earned second place in Division 4A, and the soprano section was recognized for the quality of their performance.

A total of 165 students participated in the trip, which included visits to Smoky Mountain National Park and Pigeon Forge, as well as a walk along the Appalachian Trail.

The Seminole High All-In Big Band and the Wind Ensemble were both crowned Grand Champions at the WorldStrides Heritage Music Festival. The festival was held in Washington, D.C., from April 16-19.

In addition to having the highest jazz band score and concert band score at the festival, the Warhawks were also awarded the Maestro Award for most outstanding soloist. That honor was awarded to Kaleb Adams.

The Warhawks also received the Festival Award, given to the school with the two highest combined scores among the 12 schools that attended the competition. Competing schools came from nine states.

Besides winning big at the festival, students had opportunities to explore historic sites in Washington, D.C.

PCS again earns national recognition for outstanding music education. 

The NAMM Foundation has named Pinellas County Schools one of the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education.  This is the sixth consecutive year that Pinellas has received this honor. 

The designation shows an outstanding commitment to providing music access and education for all students. The honor recognizes the efforts of schools, educators and administrators. The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit that advances active participation in music.

Pinellas County Schools Referendum supports the district's award-winning music and performing arts programs. Since 2004, the community has supported the Referendum, which provides equitable funding for art and music programs throughout the school district.

Thanks to the Referendum, all schools receive funds for music, theater and dance equipment, technology, sound systems and uniforms. Teachers and students have opportunities to work with nationally recognized conductors and artists, and thousands of students have opportunities to take field trips to performing arts venues each year.