The acclaimed Denver School of the Arts Jazz Workshop Orchestra will appear live on 9News beginning at about 6:55 a.m. on Tuesday, April 13.

The Jazz Workshop Orchestra (JWO) is one of 15 bands chosen from around the country - and the only band chosen from Colorado - to compete in the Ninth Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Competition in New York City in May.

The JWO also is appearing this week at “Tellerpalooza” on Thursday, April 15 at the Bluebird Theater. The event is a benefit for Teller Elementary School (1150 Garfield St.).

The JWO will begin the benefit with a performance at 6:15 p.m. Other performers include Horse Thief (7:15 p.m.), Chris Daniels (solo - at 8:15 p.m.), Toast (9 p.m.), The Reals (10 p.m.) and Big Boy Blue (11:15 p.m.).

The Bluebird Theater is located at 3317 E. Colfax Ave. Doors are at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door or by calling 303-598-0061, e-mailing yawger@comcast.net <mailto:yawger@comcast.net> or by visiting the theater website via www.nipp.com.

In New York City, the 15 jazz bands will compete for over $11,000 in cash awards, which will go toward enhancing jazz programs at each school that wins. More than 100 high school bands entered the competition by submitting a recording of three Duke Ellington songs.

The JWO is working hard to raise the necessary funds to make the trip to New York City for the event, May 22 - 24.

The JWO is DSA’s top jazz band. Students meet every other day for an hour and a half and attend two after school rehearsals per week when needed.

Denver School of the Arts is located at 7111 Montview Blvd. The school’s telephone number is 303-321-9435.
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 720-423-3414.