The Bethpage High School Jazz Ensemble participated in the Essentially Ellington Jazz Ensemble Competition at the Tilles Center on Monday, February 2, 2026.
The band had an outstanding performance and won the Saxophone Section Award. Lead alto saxophonist Kayla Cusumano won the award for Outstanding Alto Saxophone Solo for her beautiful interpretation of Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen's old standard, "Here's That Rainy Day." Percussionist Vincent Wilbur received an honorable mention for his drum solos on "One Note Samba", by Antonio Carlos Jobim.
Special thanks to Ms. Warnokowski for chaperoning the trip!