The Duke Ellington School of the Arts Music Department

The DC performing arts school presents an evening of soul.

Students from Duke Ellington School of the Arts, a Kennedy Center District of Columbia Partner School, present an artistic representation of the school's motto--Commitment, Responsibility, Excellence, Empowerment, Dignity (C.R.E.E.D.)--through song, instrumental jazz, and spoken word.

Students perform excerpts from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro as well as arias from When God Made Lonely—an original opera currently being composed by the students at Duke Ellington, based on characters from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. Members of Washington National Opera present scenes from their current production of Porgy and Bess.

This orchestra performs a concert of Benny Golson compositions in honor of the musician’s 80th birthday.

Led by saxophonist Davey Yarborough, The Duke Ellington School of the Arts Jazz Orchestra joins with members of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra to present “An Evening of Ellington.” Support is provided by Carolyn and Bill Powers and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Kennedy Center Jazz is sponsored by Cadillac.

Duke Ellington School of the Arts Concert Choir, under the direction of Samuel L. E. Bonds, sings traditional choral music of the season with pianist Alma Costello.

Saxophonist Davey Yarborough leads members of the Jazz Orchestra from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

Winners of a 2004-2005 CTNSD award, students from the school in Starksboro, Vermont, perform “A Vermont Kitchen Junket.” Also, local students from Duke Ellington School of the Arts perform.

Winners of a 2004-2005 Creative Ticket National School of Distinction (CTNSD) award, students from the school in Bozeman, Montana, perform “An American Kaleidoscope.” Also, local students from Duke Ellington School of the Arts perform vocal selections.

The Classical Academy presents “Artworks Alive” in which students bring paintings to life through song, dance, and movement. This program will be followed by students from D.C.’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network - “National School of Distinction” Winner: Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School presents The Ashley River Unichorus performing popular choral pieces together with a bilingual production of “the Three Little Pigs” by The Ashley River Drama Troupe. The Duke Ellington School of the Arts will round out the evening with local students bringing their musical talent to the stage.

Young musicians from The Duke Ellington School present a tribute concert to the legendary jazz vocalist Nancy Wilson.

Traverse City West Senior High School in Michigan, presents their top choral group, the Choral-Aires performing with the school’s jazz combo. Joining them will be The Duke Ellington School of the Arts Music Department Showcase, featuring outstanding soloists and ensembles.