All Of It Podcast Summary
Episode: The Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Big Band Performs Live
Host: Alison Stewart
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Duration: Approximately 25 minutes

Introduction to the Episode

In this vibrant episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, listeners are treated to a live performance by the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Big Band. This performance serves as a preview for the upcoming 30th Annual Essentially Ellington Festival held at Jazz at Lincoln Center from May 7th to 11th. The episode spotlights the intersection of culture, education, and music, celebrating the legacy of Duke Ellington through the talents of young musicians.

Preview of the Essentially Ellington Festival

Alison Stewart begins the episode by introducing the Celia Cruz Big Band, highlighting their selection for the prestigious Essentially Ellington Festival. This annual event celebrates Duke Ellington's music by inviting high school jazz bands from around the globe to perform. Stewart emphasizes the festival's role in fostering a community of thinkers, makers, and creators who contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of New York City.

Interview with Penelope Smetters Giacano and Todd Stoll

Band Introduction and Director's Remarks

At 00:28, Alison Stewart welcomes Penelope Smetters Giacano, director of the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Band, and Todd Stoll, Vice President of Education at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Penelope enthusiastically lists the talented members of her band:

"On saxophone we have Nicholas Haughton, Sophia Salvatierra Paz, Joseph Sakik, Lisandra Reyes and Brian Beneguez... On trumpet we have Malay Powell, Chelsea Mendoza, who I'm going to give a shout out to. Today is her 18th birthday... On drums we have K.J. Donovan and Isaiah Laws."
[02:12] Penelope Smetters Giacano

Todd Stoll praises the band's precision:

"I want to say that's the most impressive thing I've seen. No notes, no nothing."
[02:14] Todd Stoll

Importance of Duke Ellington's Music

Later, at 08:20, Todd delves into why Duke Ellington's music remains crucial for young musicians:

"Duke Ellington, you know, arguably our greatest American composer. His music is so rich... Ellington's music teaches us so many lessons from, you know, our individual soloists and how important your individual voice is to the idea that sacrificing for the sake of a group like a band can't swing without individuals sacrificing... Blues was written into everything Duke Ellington did... facing, you know, adversity with persistent optimism."
[08:20] Todd Stoll

History and Significance of Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Band

Penelope shares the band's origins and the influence of Celia Cruz:

"Our founding principal, Dr. William Rodriguez, had a vision for a school in the Bronx... it was just very important to have a home for that in our borough for our students when we opened. Celia Cruz was a great influence. She was also very into education and just the influence of someone who did so many wonderful things in music. Having her as our legacy to uphold has been phenomenal."
[09:40] & [10:04] Penelope Smetters Giacano

Selection Criteria for the Festival

At 10:29, Todd outlines what it takes for a band to be selected for Essentially Ellington:

"A director that's actually really committed to it. Many of our band directors have been involved in this process for not just years, but decades... The music is so sophisticated and nuanced and technically challenging that you have to have a great soloists, a great ensemble, or a swing and rhythm section... you have to have all those things, kind of have to meet."
[10:29] Todd Stoll

Emotional Responses and Experiences

Penelope recounts the emotional moment of their selection at 11:38:

"Oh, their absolute melee. The whole band room completely erupted. I cried. Everyone cried... it was just a great energy and a really, really exciting moment for us."
[11:38] Penelope Smetters Giacano

She further reflects on the significance of achieving this milestone post-pandemic at 11:56:

"These students are the students who actually did their auditions for me via video. They're a really, really special group who's gone through so much... to be recognized as one of the top 30 bands in the world is a feeling that's completely indescribable."
[11:56] Penelope Smetters Giacano

Live Performances by the Band

"aclupaca" from the Latin American Suite

At 02:19, Penelope introduces their first performance piece:

"We're going to kick it off with aclupaca from the Latin American suite."

The band delivers a spirited rendition of "aclupaca", showcasing their technical prowess and the rich cultural influences that define Duke Ellington's compositions.

"I Didn't Know About You" and "What Am I Here For?"

Following the initial performance, Penelope announces the next pieces:

"We're gonna hear I Didn't Know About You followed by What Am I Here For?"
[12:51] Penelope Smetters Giacano

The band performs "I Didn't Know About You", featuring vocals by Ms. Luz of Alaska, and "What Am I Here For?", further demonstrating their versatility and deep understanding of Ellington's music.

30th Anniversary and Global Expansion

During the performance break at 22:07, Todd discusses the decision to open the festival globally for its 30th anniversary:

"Duke Ellington was a universal humanist who traveled all around the world... The Jazz League Center Orchestra believes in that. Wynton Marsalis believes in that... this is the, you know, what better time to invite the world in."
[22:31] Todd Stoll

This global approach honors Ellington's legacy as a composer who bridged diverse cultures through music.

Competition and Community Aspects

Alison probes into the competitive nature of the festival at 22:07:

"Is it a competition? Is it more of, like, everybody for everybody?"
[23:43] Alison Stewart

Todd explains the balance between competition and celebration:

"It's actually a competition. There's something about the pressure that we think focuses kids... but it's friendly. The festival is a celebration. The kids cheer each other on and the competitive spirit is really there, I think, to hone the concentration and the focus... we break those barriers down. The enthusiasm they show for each other is pretty impressive."
[23:47] Todd Stoll

This duality fosters both excellence and camaraderie among young musicians from around the world.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Alison Stewart thanks the guests and emphasizes the excitement surrounding the Essentially Ellington Festival:

"My guests have been Todd Stoll, vice president of education at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Penelope Smetters Giacano, director of bands at Celia Cruz... Thanks for coming in, y'all."
[24:35] Alison Stewart

The episode concludes with a final performance, leaving listeners inspired by the dedication and talent of the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Big Band.

Notable Quotes:

• Penelope Smetters Giacano [02:12]: "On trumpet we have Malay Powell, Chelsea Mendoza, who I'm going to give a shout out to. Today is her 18th birthday..."

• Todd Stoll [08:20]: "Duke Ellington's music teaches us so many lessons from, you know, our individual soloists and how important your individual voice is..."

• Penelope Smetters Giacano [11:38]: "Their absolute melee. The whole band room completely erupted. I cried."

• Todd Stoll [22:31]: "Duke Ellington was a universal humanist who traveled all around the world... this is the, you know, what better time to invite the world in."

This episode of All Of It masterfully intertwines live musical performances with insightful discussions on education, cultural legacy, and the enduring impact of Duke Ellington's work. It highlights the transformative power of music in shaping young minds and fostering a global community of passionate artists.