Podcast Summary: All Of It – “Bronx High School Big Band Swings By The Studio”

Host: Alison Stewart
Date: August 18, 2025
Episode Highlights: A live performance and celebration of the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Big Band’s participation in the Essentially Ellington Festival, plus behind-the-scenes insights on bringing teen musicians into the radio studio.

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Big Band, fresh from their selection to compete at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s prestigious Essentially Ellington Festival. Hosted by Alison Stewart, the show celebrates youthful talent, the logistics and excitement behind live radio music, and the energetic culture that young musicians bring to the New York scene.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Significance of the Band’s Visit

• Selection for the Essentially Ellington Festival:
  • The festival is a major acknowledgment, celebrating Duke Ellington’s legacy and inviting top high school jazz bands to perform from around the country and the world.
• Live on WNYC:
  • Rare opportunity for teenagers to perform live on air, which was meaningful for both the students and the show’s producers.

2. Behind-the-Scenes Challenges & Joys

• Set Up:
  • The process required significant preparation and coordination, with over 20 teenagers arriving three hours before the recording time.
  • Gratitude extended to in-house engineers Irene and George for managing the logistics and sound quality.
• Personal Connection:
  • Producer Luke reveals his cousin, Finn, was the band’s guitarist, adding a heartfelt, familial layer to the segment.

Quote - Luke (00:38):
"I just kind of love the idea of getting some teenagers on our show, even if it is a bit of a total mess in the run up to that… huge, huge thank you to our engineers Irene and George, who spent a lot of time making it sound so great."

3. Performance: “I Didn’t Know About You”

• The Band’s Rendition:
  • The students delivered a vibrant, swinging take on a classic, demonstrating both technical prowess and lively energy.
  • The performance is introduced warmly and broadcast live from the WNYC studio.

Memorable Lyrics - Band Vocalist (02:37):
"I ran around with my own little crowd, the usual laughs not often but loud... and in the world that I knew, I didn't know about you..."

• Emotional Highlights:
  • The vocalist’s delivery channels the bittersweet nostalgia and discovery central to Ellington’s work.
  • The band’s collective spirit and enthusiasm shine through, reflecting the pride of their school and borough.

4. Reflections & Gratitude

• Community and Opportunity:
  • The segment underscores the value of public radio in providing such unique platforms for young talent.
  • The pride and excitement of the students, teachers, producer Luke, and WNYC staff add to the moment's significance.

Quote - Luke (00:38):
“They were just super talented and they were so excited to be here because, you know, as teenagers, you don’t really get the opportunity to play live on the radio on WNYC very often.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Luke on teenage energy in the studio (00:38):
  • “Yes, it did smell like there were 20 teenagers in our performance room... but... it was a fun time.”
• Band’s vocalist (02:37 & 05:00):
  • “Romance was a thing I kidded about, how could I know about love? I didn’t know about you.”
• Alison Stewart (05:55):
  • “That was the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Big Band. They were selected to compete this year at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s essentially Ellington Festival. They performed for us in our studio in May.”

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:04 – Introduction, background on the Celia Cruz Bronx HS Big Band
• 00:38 – Producer Luke shares behind-the-scenes stories and personal connection
• 01:48 – Alison Stewart cues up the band’s in-studio performance
• 02:37 – Performance: “I Didn’t Know About You” (full band with vocalist)
• 05:55 – Alison reflects on the band’s achievement and thanks team
• 06:13 – Producer Luke thanks Alison, closing out the segment

Language & Tone

• Conversational, enthusiastic, and supportive throughout.
• Producer and host express genuine excitement and gratitude.
• The students’ performance is met with celebratory and appreciative commentary.

In Summary

This episode of All Of It exemplifies the joy of youth music culture intersecting with New York’s public radio. By hosting the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Big Band, Alison Stewart and her team highlight not only the talent and ambition of the city’s students, but also the community effort involved in bringing their voices and instruments to a larger stage. The segment is a vibrant testament to public radio's power to nurture and showcase the next generation of artists.