Generations In Jazz

Generations in Jazz

Generations in Jazz is a national Jazz Music Festival where students from across the country converge on Mt Gambier in South Australia to performance, compete, be inspired and connect. 

This year 36 students across 4 different ensembles participated from Viewbank College. 

Students were quiet and focused on the 6 hour bus trip to Mt Gambier. Some revising their parts for their performance, some revising for up coming school assessments and some just enjoying watching the scenery past by. 

The weekend is jam-packed full of music performances. Featuring performances from some of Australia's leading jazz musicians, the vocalists were spoiled by amazing jazz vocalist Michelle Nicole and Darren Percival. Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band from America were headlining this year's festival, with a smaller version of the ensemble entertaining over 4,500 students on the Friday night and the complete ensemble swingin' the tent on the Saturday night. 

Saturday was filled with Viewbank performances. We started the day with the student-led Small Jazz Combo. This ensemble rehearse weekly and develop arrangements specifically for Generations in Jazz. This was followed by the Ellington Band performing in the main arena in the Division 1 Band section. Their set included an arrangement of Billy Joel classics by Yr11 student Pat Mehan. The afternoon was filled with vocal performances from the Small Vocal Ensemble and the Chamber Choir. This was the first year we have entered a Small Vocal Ensemble and it was great to see the depth of skills these students were able to develop. 

All students performed and represented Viewbank College on a national stage at a high level, showing great connection and support to each other across the whole weekend. 

Yr11 student Jun Lee was featured as the best Trumpeter and selected in the Division 1 Super band. This is the second year in a row Viewbank students have been selected and featured in the Division 1 Super band at Generations in Jazz. 

And a huge congratulations goes to Mr Broadbent and all the students involved in the Ellington Band who placed 3rd in the country in the top bands division. This division is very competitive and the bands showcase an incredible skill-level and ensemble playing across all instruments. It is a reflection of the dedication and commitment these students show. Mrs Palekis and Mr Broadbent were supported by Mr Harrison and Mr Van Gemert. All students and staff came home tired but filled with musical inspiration!