Generations in Jazz

Music students venture to Mount Gambier

Over last weekend, Harmony Vocal (directed by Cindy Frost), Intermediate Stage Band (led by Basil Byrne), and Senior Stage Band (directed by Nick Bayne and Josh Dulfer) ventured to the mystical lands of Mount Gambier to compete in the Generations in Jazz festival. 

The trip began bright and early on a cold Friday morning. But honestly, it wasn’t that bad—because this wasn’t just any group of teenagers; this was a group of teenagers who could play jazz. After stuffing the bus to the brim with warm clothes and various musical instruments, we set off for South Australia, leaving behind our now jazz-less school. 

After what felt like years on the bus, and with only a bit of singing to pass the time, we reached our first stop: Ararat. There, we performed for the local primary school. Once we had set up, all three ensembles played selections from their practice sets to a very enthusiastic crowd of primary school students. The performance went extremely well and gave us a big confidence boost heading into the competition. 

After our performance at Ararat Primary School, we headed into the centre of Ararat for lunch. Everyone scattered to find food, and in keeping with tradition, one person bought a harmonica from The Reject Shop—because annoying the teachers with cheap, random instruments is an annual Ararat ritual. Refuelled by lunch, we continued our journey to Mount Gambier. 

Upon arrival, we dropped our luggage at Mulga Street Primary School—our wonderful annual hosts—and made our way to the Generations in Jazz grounds. There, we dined on semi-warm lasagne (the taste of jazz) and watched the Little Phat Band, led by jazz legend Gordon Goodwin and featuring guest artists, including the composer of the set piece for the Division 2 choirs. Their performance was packed with fascinating musical ideas—from intricate saxophone solos to trumpet notes so high they hurt our egos (and ears). After that sonic adventure, we headed back to Mulga Street Primary and went to sleep. 

We woke up early Saturday morning, excited for the day ahead—because

 who doesn’t want to play music at 8 a.m. in 10-degree weather? After arriving at GIJ, we huddled in a cold tent as Harmony Vocals warmed up. Despite the chill, they delivered a stunning performance that left us in awe.  

Next up was the Intermediate Stage Band, whose performance was in a cold shed rather than a cold tent—an upgrade? Eventually, they took the stage and wowed the crowd with another amazing set. Finally, after a brief return to a cold tent, it was time for the Senior Stage Band, who gave a truly wonderful performance that wrapped up our group’s competitive sets. 

After the performances, we spent the afternoon watching other bands, having lunch, and relaxing back at Mulga Street Primary. A few hours later, we returned to GIJ to enjoy more music, dinner, and a phenomenal headline performance from Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. 

Then, we headed back to Mulga Street for a well-earned night’s sleep. The next day, we had some excellent instrumental workshops led by members of Gordon Goodwin’s band and a long (and now hot) awards ceremony, where we did not place in reality, but won in spirit. After, we travelled back to Melbourne on an energetic bus ride, featuring a late-night bathroom stop at the edge of the highway. Overall, our 2025 GIJ was amazing and will stick with us for ages as a really great jazz experience. 

By Leo Pinnuck and Elliot Loveday (Year 12).