The week of 26-30 June saw ‘Ara Music Arts’ host the first edition of ‘Combo Jazzquest’. This event involved the CBHS Dixie Band and the CBHS Blues Band competing against numerous other Canterbury high school jazz combos during the week with a 20 minute programme followed by an hour long workshop with the tutors at Ara Jazz School. For this competition a combo was defined as a jazz ensemble of between 3 and 6 players.

The week of competition culminated in a gala concert and awards ceremony at ‘The Piano’ on Friday 30 June. Each competing combo had one piece selected from their repertoire and performed it for the audience. Both the CBHS bands played exceptionally well with the Dixie band getting rousing applause for their high energy version of ‘Tiger Rag’. The Blues Band played ‘Old Love’ and the silky skills of the players were very much on display for all to see.

In keeping with their excellent performances, the Judges presented both bands with ‘Gold Awards’ and to cap it all off Sam White was awarded the ‘Most Outstanding Guitarist’ of the competition. The jazz groups at CBHS are now preparing for ‘Big Band Jazzquest’ and Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival’ in August where the boys are looking forwards to putting on more great performances.

Follow the links below to see the Dixie Band and Blues Band in their live performances from ‘Combo Jazzquest’:

CBHS Dixie Band: Sweet Sue
CBHS Dixie Band: Tiger Rag
CBHS Blues Band: Black Magic Woman
CBHS Blues Band: Old Love