Arts/Tech News

Generations In Jazz 2018

With mud sticking to our polished shoes, our black uniform shielding us from the cool Mount Gambier air, our minds fixated on what’s to come, we toured as a team, marched as a family, and performed as The Nossal Big Band.

The twirling of our ties, like tangerine kites in the cold South Australian breeze, went unnoticed as we trampled fading grass in a muddy field that lay between the 2m x 2m x 4m container, we called the warm up room, and the elevated stage protected by a weathered tent, the culmination of our musical journey thus far.

The time we spent practicing the ‘L section,’ the hours we listened to the test piece, the early mornings spent in MU1, the energy expended as we played keys, strings, valves and buttons were all for this one moment, this one chance, this one opportunity to represent ourselves, our Director, and our school.

The last minute discussions backstage were at the forefront of our minds, as we walked up the stairs and onto the stage. Our hearts beating at 210BPM, we sat down, instruments at the ready, waiting for the signal from our Director, James Mustafa. The subconscious battle of nerves against skills, was quickly forgotten, as “three… and… four…” introduced the luscious chorale that was “Gospel Hustle.” The beautiful melody, clear rhythms and tight backings captivated the audience and assessor alike. As the band went through “Polka Dots and Moonbeams,” a jazz standard, and “Backrow Politics,” a Gordon Goodwin chart, the students playing with energy and in unison, our Jazz Director’s smile, reflecting his joy and pride. Apart from the general cohesion and musical skill of the band, Chamath Suraweera delivered a soulful trumpet solo that established his authority and passion as a jazz musician, and also secured him a spot in the ‘Superband.’ The superb performance of the Nossal Big Band was completed by thunderous audience applause.

The outstanding performance of Nossal at the Generations in Jazz Festival, was repeatedly illustrated, proved and solidified as the Nossal Swing Band and Nossal Jazz Combo, built upon the Big Band’s performance, with their incredible performances, Dinil’s delicious guitar solo and surreal professionalism from its students. Consequently, Nossal High entrenched their name in the Jazz community as not only a school full of hardworking students, but jazz musicians and a serious threat to the other schools in competition.

Samuel Balazs

Year 12

Despite the marathon eight hour bus ride to South Australia, all the Generations in Jazz (GIJ) Nossal students boarded the bus highly excited for what was to come next. Ahead of them was a weekend of competition, concerts, late nights and James Mustafa serenading the bewildered cows that grazed near our accommodation on his trumpet.

From 4-6 May, three Nossal jazz bands (Big Band, Swing Band and Jazz Combo) participated in an event called Generations in Jazz in Mount Gambier, South Australia. GIJ is a High School jazz band competition founded by James Morrison. Students are also treated to workshops and concerts presented by professional jazz artists such as Patti Austin, Cat Empire, Shannon Barnett, Nasrine Rahmani and James Morrison himself.

Over 200 schools with 7000 students attended from all around Australia and even New Zealand. Nossal performed extremely well in each of their respective divisions: Big Band placed 7th, Swing Band came 4th and Jazz Combo ranked 9th.

Congratulations goes to Chamath Suraweera (Year 11) from the Big Band, who was selected to be a trumpet player in the Super Band for his division. The Super Band is a collection of the best instrumentalists from amongst all the bands in a division (the best pianist, guitarist, etc.). Obtaining a place in the Super Band is a significant and commendable achievement, and Nossal has had one student in the Super Band in each of the three years it has attended GIJ.

Jemima Schuller

Year 10

Our students have summed up well, what was an amazing musical weekend in Mount Gambier.  Along with the Music staff of James Mustafa and Nick McCusker; Roger Page, Tracey Mackin and myself had the privilege of being a part of the Nossal High School team that attended GIJ 2018.

For a "first-time attender" this was an unbelievable experience, made even more special by the performances of our own young, talented musicians.  Jemima described the huge number of students who were present and in turn, accompanied by a large number of staff and parents.  What a great celebration of jazz and of youth!  The large main venue, (a circus tent as shown in one of our photo galleries), was packed for performances by both famous international and Australian artists.  For the weekend, Mount Gambier was truly alive to the sound of music, jazz music and the whole city embraced the event.   

As always, our students were outstanding ambassadors for Nossal and their Music programs.  It was a treat to be present for their performances but never fear if you missed them because we will be having a very special Music Concert at the Bunjil Theatre in August, so watch out for more details and make it a priority to attend!

Keith Butler

Assistant Principal 

2018 Production is nearly here!

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Come join us in the fun, frivolity and dancing of Nossal High School’s 2018 Production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. On a Midsummer’s night, four young lovers find themselves wrapped in the dream-like arms of an enchanted forest where sprites lurk and fairies rule. While a feuding Fairy King and Queen are at war, their paths are crossed by Bottom, Quince and their friends presenting a play within a play. Chief mischief-maker Puck is on-hand to ensure that the course of true love is anything but smooth, and games of fantasy, love and dreams ensue in Shakespeare’s most beguiling comedy.

• Cost: Single $12, Group of 4: $40
• Venue: Meath Auditorium
• Dates: June 21st and 22nd
• Time: 7:30 PM
• Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/VUEV

*Poster here - when it arrives from WOO* 

Autumn Concert 2018

The Autumn Concert was held on 10 May and "kicked off" the performance season for many of Nossal’s student music ensembles. There was an impressive variety of different musical styles and instruments on show across six of the school’s ensembles – each ensemble was given room to explore really unique musical ideas as diverse as experimental percussion in the World Keyboard Orchestra and Percussion Ensembles through to powerful and polyphonic arrangements in this year’s bigger String Orchestra, Choir and Wind Symphony.

The night ran smoothly with both returning staff and new faces.  Ms. Cassandra Gibson heading the Flute Orchestra and Dr. Lachlan Wallace on the Keyboard and percussion ensembles made sure the students had a great time, while also playing some great tunes.

Each time a concert rolls around the product of hours of practice can be seen in the pride and comradery between the students and staff that take part. It was fantastic to see so many students involved and an exciting prospect to see these ensembles transform as student participation and enjoyment continues to soar.

Luckily, we don’t have to wait long for the next ensembles extravaganza – this year Nossal’s Winter Concert will be even bigger and better than the last, and will be held on the 8 August at Bunjil Place, Casey’s new performing arts facility. We look forward to seeing you there!

Jack Braddick

Music Captain