Shining His Light at Generations in Jazz

There are moments in teaching that stay with you, not because of the result, but because of what they reveal about the students. Generations in Jazz (GIJ) 2026, held in Mount Gambier, was one of those times, and a reminder of how truly blessed we are as a community to work with such remarkable, talented and faith-led young people.

Each year this festival brings together thousands of students, making it one of the most significant youth jazz events in the world. 

Across the weekend 87 DCC students, supported by 11 staff and performing in eight ensembles, represented Donvale Christian College with distinction. Together they stepped into one of the most enjoyable, creative, and competitive musical environments in the country. They performed with courage, excellence, and a clear sense of purpose that reflects who we are as a college. We witnessed them support, encourage, and trust each other - this was truly the highlight of the event.

An inspiring devotion from our Music Captains on Friday morning set the tone, helping us centre and focus with purpose on why we do, what we do. 

“So here's the challenge for GIJ:


1. Speak life - about other schools, adjudicators, and each other.

2. Play with excellence but also humility - give your best, without pride or bitterness.


3. Love visibly - backstage, in the audience, during mealtimes, and in competition.

Placing, or getting into superband is great. But representing Jesus well, and showing a love like Jesus, lasts a lot longer.”

I could stop there because this says it all, but…  there are some results to share!

Our Small Vocal Ensemble, Altonatives, achieved 1st place in Division 1, while our Large Vocal Ensemble placed 3rd in Division 1 - an outstanding accomplishment that places Donvale among some of the strongest music programs in Australia.

In addition, we were honoured with three significant individual and sectional awards:

• Best Bass Male Vocalist – Ashton Boland (Division 1 – Small Vocal Ensemble)
• Best Bass Section (Division 1 – Large Vocal Ensemble)
• Superband Division 4 – Tenor 2 Abrielle Ku

These recognitions speak not only to individual excellence, but to the depth and quality of vocal and instrumental work across the entire program.

Our Senior Big Band kicked off the first of 8 entries, performing at the highest level of Stage Band competition for the third consecutive year, while our Intermediate Vocal Ensemble (Years 7–9) delivered a confident and compelling performance to close out the day. 

Across the program, students performed in: 

Division 1, 3, and 4 Stage Bands 

Division 1 and 2 Small Jazz Combos 

Division 1 Vocal and Division 4 Vocal (Both small and large divisions)

One of the most memorable moments for our staff and students was witnessing Altonatives represent the College on stage before an audience of more than 5,000 people from across Australia, after winning the Division 1 Small Vocal category.

They had just ten minutes to move backstage, regroup, and prepare for the final performance in the main arena. They walked onto the stage with composure and quiet confidence and sang with clarity, unity, and musical maturity. They listened deeply, trusted one another, and responded with precision and artistry, delivering a second flawless performance for the weekend. They were quite simply, outstanding.

This spirit was evident across all our ensembles. There was a clear commitment to excellence, but equally a humility in the way our students engaged with each other and others. 

I would like to acknowledge our Year 12 students, for whom this was their final GIJ. It has been a privilege to watch them grow, both as musicians and leaders within their ensembles. The way they have guided and supported younger students has shaped the culture of our program. We are genuinely grateful for who they are, what they’ve given, and the strong example they leave behind.

We all share the responsibility of shaping one another, but these young lives in particular – this is discipleship, and none carry greater responsibility in this space than you as parents. 

This achievement is not the work of any one individual, but the result of an outstanding and deeply committed staff team. The leadership and dedication of Mel Searle (Head of Vocal), Josh Manusma (Head of Contemporary Studies), Tim Fisher (Head of Brass and Division 1 Director), and Lachlan Smith (Division 4 Director), alongside our broader music and support staff who generously gave their time, care, and expertise, made this experience what it was. Their investment in these students is evident not only in the results, but in the culture and character.

Experiences like Generations in Jazz remind us that music education is about far more than performance outcomes. It is about shaping people - developing resilience, empathy, discipline, and a sense of contributing to something greater than oneself.

As a music team, we could not be prouder of what was accomplished.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the Senior Leadership Team for their incredible support of the staff, students, and Music program. What DCC achieves is possible because of the trust, resourcing, and opportunities provided to both staff and students.

We share these successes as a whole community. Congratulations all!