It's the fifth time the ensemble has been named one of 15 finalists in the prestigious Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival — and the first time it has made the cut in back-to-back years. CHAMPAIGN — Getting on a bus at 3:30 a.m. is worth it for a shot to play with some of the world's best jazz musicians. Some bleary-eyed Champaign Central High School students are flying out of Chicago today to compete in the 23rd annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival in New York — the first time Central has made the cut in back-to-back years. read more