The Youth Jazz Ensemble DuPage (YJED) is set to compete in the Essentially Ellington Festival in New York City's Lincoln Center for the second consecutive year. The ensemble was one of only 20 high school bands from across the U.S. selected for the competition and festival. Alto saxophonist Michael Shebar, who was selected for YJED in 2024, said the 25-student ensemble recorded three songs to submit to the festival and their selection was influenced by judges' feedback. This year's performance will feature Shebar on alto saxophone in YjED's performance of "The Gypsy," composed by Billy Reid.