Music
Essentially Ellington Competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York
It’s hard to think about a more exciting and productive time in the Blackburn High School Music Program.
Over just three weeks, our students and ensembles have travelled across the country - and the globe - performing alongside some of the world’s finest musicians and proudly representing our school.
Making History in New York- Senior Jazz Student Orchestra
A major highlight was the Senior Jazz Orchestra’s historic participation in the 30th Anniversary of the Essentially Ellington Competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York. Our students became the first Australian band to be invited to this prestigious event.
For the 20 students involved (and staff) it was a life-changing experience that will stay with them forever.
Jazz Night at The Round
The term began with our Jazz ensembles presenting their annual Jazz Night performances. For the first time, this event was held at The Round in Nunawading - a fantastic venue that provided a professional and inspiring setting for our students.
Generations in Jazz – Mt Gambier
60 students travelled to Mt Gambier to take part in Generations in Jazz. Members of the Intermediate and Thursday Big Bands, Franken Jazz, and the Jazz Combo performed brilliantly and participated in workshops with Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Special congratulations to:
Franken Jazz, winners of the Nick Mulder Award
Alex W, named in the Division 3 Superband
Mid-Year Celebrations
Upon returning, the Senior Jazz Orchestra performed at a special homecoming concert at Queen’s Hall in Parliament. This was followed by our Mid-Year Concert, featuring all major ensembles from the program.
It was a truly memorable evening, showcasing the incredible progress our students have made and the unwavering support of our community.
Students then completed their Midyear Milestone Performances and VCE recitals, continuing to demonstrate their dedication and growth.
Special Visits and Workshops
We were honoured to welcome Premier Jacinta Allan to the school, where she met with students who had participated in the New York tour.
The term also included workshop days with visiting artists.
Victorian Flute Guild Competition
On Sunday, May 25, the Blackburn High School Senior Flute Ensemble participated in the Victorian Flute Guild Ensemble Competition. The event was held at the Methodist Ladies College Music Center, Kew. This was a lovely opportunity for students to gain performance experience, play in a beautiful venue, and hear other schools do exactly what we love to do. Flute! The Ensemble received an honourable mention playing an arrangement of "Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home" and is already looking forward to the event next year.
Blackburn High School Hosts Interschool Choral Workshop
Blackburn students participated in a choir workshop alongside peers from Wantirna College, Glen Waverley Secondary College, and Macleod College. Conductors from each school led the session , guiding students through a range of musical styles and techniques, including vocal improvisation and complex harmonies. Students developed skills in close listening, ensemble blend, musical timing, and cohesion. Singing as part of an 80-voice choir, they experienced the joy of collaboration and the unique sense of unity that comes from shared music-making.
Turbo Day, Novice Band, and Quattro Strings
Congratulations to all new music students for their first semester of learning their instrument. Pictured below are our beaming beginners from their Turbo Day earlier in the semester. A big thank you also goes out to you, the families, for supporting your children on their musical journey. It takes a community to raise a musician!
Music Event Calendar
Term 3
Mon July 28 - NEVR Concert - Senior Jazz Orchestra
Mon August 11 - Essentially Ellington Down Under Festival
Mon August 14 - Vocal and Strings Soirée
Royal South Street Eisteddfod, Ballarat
Tues Sept 2 - String Ensembles
Wed Sept 3 - Novice Band, Junior Small Instrumental Ensembles
Thurs Sept 4 - Concert Band, Symphonic Band
Fri September 5 - Senior Jazz Orchestra, Intermediate Big Band, Thursday Big Band
Tues September 9 - Concert Choir
Thurs September 16 - Senior Spring Concert
Term 4
October 10 - Graduation Dinner performance
October 23 - Junior Spring Concert
October 27 - Milestones/auditions/VCE Unit 2 soirées
November 10 - 2026 Ensembles begin
November 17-21- Transition Workshops - Selected Instrumental students involved.
December 1 - 3 - NEVR Strings Workshop - All BHS string players involved
December 4 and 5 - Generations in Jazz2026 Workshop days.
December 8 - New Student Information Session