Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival

The week consisted of gigs all around Blenheim and Picton, playing at bars and schools for a wide range of jazz-lovers to enjoy. A highlight for us was performing for such a diverse crowd over the week; from kids, to serious jazz musicians, everyone enjoyed what we had to offer.

Both our big band, and 7 piece combo (The Big Bad Big Band Reversing Truck Memorial Jam Schack) competed in the festival, and at the end of a long, rewarding week of Jazz we achieved huge success with our Big Band receiving a gold award, and runner-up Best Big Band.

There was also great individual success; four of our players got into the All-Stars band (the Best of the Best) and were able to play under the guidance of the adjudicators: Trombonist Rodger Fox, and Dave Wilson, Saxophonist. The four players included Isaac Randel on tenor saxophone, Tim Hulbe Pulver on trumpet, Jayden Jesudhass on alto saxophone, and Jack Ta on trombone. On top of all that, special awards were given to both Isaac and Jack, with Isaac receiving the Award for Best Saxophonist and Jack receiving the Adjudicator’s Choice Award.

We are so proud of Mr Dodd and everyone in the band for all their hard work and dedication over the weeks leading up to the event, and we all had a fabulous time.

Special thank you to the fundraising committee and the parent helpers who drove us around and fed us delicious meals. This trip would not have been possible without them, or the very generous support of the Southern Trust.