Ellsworth High School is officially sending its largest-ever contingent to the 2026 MMEA All-State Jazz Festival! Our group hit the road for the festival this afternoon and will perform with some of the best in the state on Saturday.
With five students qualifying, EHS ties for the most selections from any single school in Maine this year—a historic milestone for the program.
The students heading to the festival represent a wide range of experience, from veteran seniors to rising freshmen. The group includes vocalists Jovi Nightingale (Senior), Finley Harmon (Senior), Juliette Hiatt (Sophomore), and Ella Johnston (Freshman), along with senior Harper Turner - she has qualified for Symphonic All-State in the past on the Oboe, but is headed down this year to the Jazz festival with her Alto Saxophone! These five qualified this past fall through hard work, dedication, and hours spent honing in on their skills.
Jamie Calandro, Director of Jazz at EHS, noted that this record-breaking group is the result of years of momentum and outstanding effort from our students! The program has grown steadily from our first ever qualifier two years ago to the five students departing today!
The MMEA All-State Jazz Festival kicks off this weekend - our students will spend the next few days rehearsing, learning, and performing alongside the best high school jazz players in Maine! The rehearsals are Thursday and Friday (Jan. 15 and 16) at the University of Southern Maine. The concert is Saturday, Jan. 17 at 3 p.m. at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center.
The entire Ellsworth community is rooting for these talented musicians as they represent our schools on the state stage. Good luck, EHS Jazz! Congratulations -- and look where all of your hard work has gotten you!