Sometimes it’s great to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. In this case the bigger picture is our After 3 “Hagley Jazz” course which celebrates it’s 25th year this year.

From it’s inception in 1992, Hagley Jazz has immersed students, using a multi-disciplinary approach, into the study of Jazz. There is no other course like it in NZ. Students get to follow their passion and play great jazz in real bars, make recordings and learn more about the theory and history of this incredible art form. About one in ten of our students have gone on to study music at a tertiary level and make music their life.

We have become a community. A community of past and present students and tutors who can say with pride that they belong to something bigger than themselves, and that they have grown both as musicians and as people.

On Friday June 30th this year Hagley Jazz created it’s “moment in time” with it’s spectacular Gala Evening.

The Hagley Café was transformed into a jazz winter wonderland for the evening. Guests were treated to a fabulous four-course meal and top entertainment, all provided by past and present students and tutors. The 1920’s theme was embraced enthusiastically and it would be fair to say that the evening surpassed all expectations.

Funds raised from the event are going to be used to purchase a fantastic state-of-the-art digital mixing desk and P.A. for us to use at our regular gigs.

Watch this space for the 50th anniversary in 2042.