The Shorewood High School Jazz Band was selected as a finalist for the 31st annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, which is widely regarded as the nation’s most prestigious high school jazz competition. Shorewood was one of just 20 schools nationwide invited to perform at the event in New York City.

Led by acclaimed director Dan Baker, Shorewood’s talented musicians represented both their school and Shoreline School District on a national stage in May 2026. During three unforgettable days at the festival, students learned from and performed alongside some of the best young jazz musicians in the country at the famed “House of Swing,” Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center.

From section honors to standout solo performances, Shorewood musicians made a lasting impression at Essentially Ellington:

• Honorable Mention Saxophone Section
• Outstanding Rhythm Guitar: Mila Miropolskaya
• Outstanding Bass: Marcus Torzillo
• Outstanding Drums: Zayne Cornelius
• Honorable Mention Trombone: Ethan Bennett

The band also received the Susan C. Gordon Award for Most Soulful Band — a powerful recognition of the group’s artistry, expression, and heart — presented by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis.

Under Baker’s direction, this marked Shorewood’s first appearance at the Essentially Ellington finals since the 2000s, following previous finalist selections in 2000, 2001, 2005, and 2008.

As Principal Bill Dunbar shared, “This is the high school jazz band equivalent of going to the Super Bowl! Shorewood has one of our largest band programs ever. Students love learning with Dan and are having fun in every band avenue, from marching to jazz.”

The Shoreline community is immensely proud of these students and Director Baker for representing Shorewood with excellence, passion, and musicianship on a national stage. Congratulations to the entire Jazz Band on this extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment!