Generations In Jazz

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Generations In Jazz is now a well established event in the Australian jazz calendar.

It is held in Mount Gambier in May each year and brings together many of Australia’s most talented young jazz musicians to participate in and compete for the James Morrison Scholarship, the City of Mount Gambier National Big Band Awards and the Generations in Jazz Vocal Scholarship.

The weekend in May provides an environment for young musicians to perform and learn in a relaxed atmosphere, share fellowship with their peers, and the opportunity to hear professionals like James and John Morrison, Daryl Somers, Ross Irwin, James Muller and Graeme Lyall perform.

Many schools make this an annual event with many school, community and combined high school bands travelling great distances from interstate such as W.A., Queensland, the ACT, NSW and of course from Victoria and South Australia

[edit] History

Mount Gambier ’s Generations in Jazz Festival is a success story that began 25 years ago when a few young musicians performed a tribute for their fathers and grandfathers. An estimated 2,000 young people in 85 bands from around Australia make their way to Mount Gambier from 11th - 13th May to share music and learn from greats such as James and John Morrison, Daryl Somers and Graeme Lyall. They’ll be booking out every bed in the town and also competing for the City of Mount Gambier National Big Band Awards and the Generations in Jazz Vocal Scholarship. Four former scholarship winners are about to embark on a tour of Europe with James Morrison.

[edit] James Morrison Jazz Scholarship

The "JAMES MORRISON JAZZ SCHOLARSHIP" is open to solo instrumentalists to further the jazz career.

Six finalist are selected and attend a final adjudication in Mount Gambier during the Generations In Jazz weekend.

The winner receives $10,000 to assist in the development of their careers and receive an instrument from Yamaha Australia to the value of $3,000.

[edit] Generations In Jazz - 2008 Results

The New South Wales Performing Arts Unit was the major winner at this year's Generations In Jazz held at Mount Gambier this year. They won division one, playing better than well polished bands including Ringwood Secondary College, Wesley College, Marryatville High School and Blackburn High School.

Of the lower school divisions, an emotionally-charged Prince Alfred College were the big winners. PAC had three big bands performing in divisions 2 and 3. They won division 2 and section 2 of division 3, as well as coming second in section 1 of division 3. Prince Alfred College was also successful individually over the weekend, with band director Andrew Newhouse nominated for the International Jazz Trek, sponsored by Yamaha. PAC also had 4 members in the division 2 and 3 Superbands, lead trumpet Edward Young, trombonist Alistair Young, drummer Jock Clarnette and baritone saxophonist Richard Bethune.

PAC's division 2 winning band were most emotional after the announcement, especially considering that they under-achieved last year. PAC's alto saxophonist Hayden Nadolny later said, "Seeing (bass player Rob Katsambis) Robbie's face after we knew that we won, it was priceless. 3 years ago this band had never heard of Generations In Jazz. We can now say that we are firmly entrenched in its history."

Division 2 adjudicator Graeme Lyall gave much praise to PAC's division 2 winning big band, after under-achieving in 2007. They are now expected to be performing in Division 1 next year.

First place in Division 3 section 1, went to the Mt. Gambier based 'South East Showband 1', a group comprised of primary and secondary students from schools, both public and private, within the South East of South Australia. Members of the band are elated at achieving this result together with having three players nominated for the Division 3 Superband.

Generations In Jazz website: www.generationsinjazz.com.au/