Finalists Announced for 18TH Annual Charles Mingus Festival & High School Competition

Charles Mingus Festival & High School Competition
February 13–15, 2026 | New York City

18th Annual Festival Celebrates the Enduring Genius of Charles Mingus
and the Next Generation of Artists

NEW YORK, NY — December 18, 2025  Hundreds of exceptional high school musicians from across the United States will convene in New York City to immerse themselves in the music of legendary bassist and composer Charles Mingus (1922–1979) at the 18th Annual Charles Mingus Festival & High School Competition, hosted by The New School of Jazz & Contemporary Music.

The festival is presented by Let My Children Hear Music/The Charles Mingus Institute in partnership with Dr. Keller Coker and The New School, with support from Jazz Workshop, Inc. Twelve finalist big bands and combos—selected from a record 30 entrants nationwide, up 50%—will represent states including California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin.

The weekend begins Friday, February 13, with a public and livestreamed open rehearsal by the Mingus Big Band at The New School of Jazz’s Arnhold Hall at 55 West 13th Street. On Saturday, February 14, is a public performance by Mingus Dynasty, and students take part in a full day of rehearsals, instrumental clinics, and jam sessions. The day concludes with an optional evening performance by the Mingus Big Band at Joe’s Pub.

Sunday, February 15 is the Mingus Competition, featuring a full day of concert performances by finalist ensembles at Tishman Auditorium at 63 Fifth Avenue-open to the pubic and livestreamed. That evening, outstanding soloists from the Competition will be invited to sit in with the Mingus Big Band for two sets at Joe’s Pub.

“Charles’ music contains multitudes,” said Festival founder and NEA Jazz Master Sue Mingus, who formed the first Mingus repertory group Mingus Dynasty in 1979 and oversaw the performance and publishing of Mingus Music until her retirement. The genius of Mingus’ compositions – which, along with his scores, correspondence, original manuscripts, and more, were acquired by the Library of Congress in 1993, a first for jazz, and a first for a Black American composer – have given Mingus' music a life beyond his performances and recordings. This legacy is now entrusted to Sue's son, Roberto Ungaro and the team of devoted musicians and creative professionals she mentored in her lifetime.

Wayne Escoffery (Mingus Big Band, Yale) observes: “I am confident that both Charles and Sue Mingus (who started this competition 18 years ago) would have been deeply pleased by the seriousness, respect, and imagination these young musicians are bringing to the music. Mingus always encouraged young voices and fearless expression, and it is on full display this year. Big respect to Roberto Ungaro for continuing to steward both Charles’ and his mother Sue’s legacy, and for creating opportunities that challenge and inspire the next generation.”

For press inquiries: education@charlesmingus.org

FINALISTS OF THE 2026 CHARLES MINGUS
HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION

BIG BAND CATEGORY

Lexington High School Jazz Ensemble, Lexington, Mass. Band Director: Pat Donaher

Newton South High School Jazz Ensemble, Newton, Mass. Band Director: Lisa Linde

Paschal High School Jazz Ensemble, Fort Worth, Texas. Band Director: Collin Caldwell

BIG BAND CATEGORY - Specialized Schools and Programs

Dynasty Big Band, Jazz House Kids, Montclair, N.J. Band Director: Darrell Smith

Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra, New York, N.Y. Band Director: Tatum Greenblatt

Jazz House Big Band, Montclair, N.J. Band Director: Nathan Eklund

COMBO CATEGORY

Hall High School Combo 1, Hartford, Conn. Band Director: Philip Giampietro

Rio Americano Charles Mingus Septet, Sacramento, Calif. Band Director: Josh Murray

Triplet Feel, Newton, Mass. Self-Directed: Max Stober, guitar; Nikhil Hiatt, bass; Bennett Frost, drums

COMBO CATEGORY - Specialized Schools and Program

"A" Train Ensemble, Milwaukee Jazz Institute, Milwaukee, Wis. Band Director: Mark Davis

Jazz House Ambassadors, Montclair, N.J. Band Director: Mike Lee

Blake Ambassadors, Jazz House N.Y.C., New York, N.Y.  Band Director: Ron Blake

HONORABLE MENTIONS, RUNNERS-UP

Boston Latin School Big Band, Boston, Mass. Band Director: Paul J Pitts and Sean Lee

Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Jazz Combo, The Bronx, N.Y. Band Director: Penelope Smetters-Jacono

Harvard-Westlake Trio, Studio City, Calif. Band Director: Chris Sullivan. Colton Checchi, piano;

Aven Son, bass; Elliott Simon, drums

Mingus Big Band at Joe’s Pub, Feb 14th and 15th, 2 shows each night. Presale now for Festival Participants (get access code from band director). On sale to public Dec 20 at Noon.