CSC Stage Band Wins at Generations in Jazz 2024

PRESS RELEASE 

Regional country public state school takes home a win in their first ever national competition held at Mt Gambier over the weekend. Castlemaine Secondary College student’s aspired to compete in this very prestigious event and through the very generous support of their community this dream became a reality.

Over the last few months, the college Vocal Ensemble and Stage Band have been preparing for a trip to the Generations in Jazz festival. This is a huge undertaking for a government school.

Castlemaine Secondary College Music Support Group have worked miracles to raise the $25,000 needed to take 45 musicians/singers to compete, using raffles, BBQ’s, and a GoFundMe page and some major sponsors. They were accompanied by 5 teachers who kindly donated their time to make this possible.

"I just love that this band had so fun. You guys sounded like and looked like you were having so much fun and it really carried across to the audience. Absolutely stellar performance, absolute commendation to your teachers, your school are really doing a brilliant job” Jon Hunt, adjudicator.

The Stage Band was conducted by Ben Nieuwkerk, who is the Head of Music for the college. The vocal ensemble, only newly formed, sang incredibly well with thanks to their conductor Adam Przewlocki and came close to placing in their division up against choirs with years of experience behind them.

Students were able to hear the best student ensembles in the country as well as attend three concerts with national and international jazz artists as well as workshops from those artists. Approximately 5000 students attend the event, and for many of them it was a transformative experience.