Generations in Jazz

All I can say is ... GET READY FOR GiJ 25!

Students, if you sing, play piano, drums, bass guitar, guitar, double bass, vibraphone, saxophone, trumpet, and especially TROMBONE, then you will not want to miss GiJ 2025.

Donvale Christian College again proved to be a school buzzing with musical energy and brilliance at Generations in Jazz (GiJ) 2024. It was an absolute delight to attend the  Mount Gambier festival with 89 students across seven ensembles. 

All our students were simply amazing. Supporting each other, celebrating their own and one another's successes, and entering into the spirit of the weekend, which is all about making and enjoying music and community. 

The festival, curated by none other than Melbourne's leading music educator and performer, Jordan Murray - who took the reigns from legendary jazz maestro James Morrison - is a melting pot of musical happenings and success. Every year it draws thousands of young musicians from schools across Australia to compete and celebrate music, particularly in all things jazz. (You can see detailed results at the bottom of the page).

In the Division 1 Big Band category, DCC proudly claimed their spot among the top contenders, earning a commendable fourth place. Their performance, infused with energy, precision, and individual brilliance from four of its members, captivated audiences and judges alike, showcasing the depth of talent within their ranks. 

Congratulations to Riley Linden, Nathaniel Reichman, Soren Swan, and Tarquin Nielsen for your amazing awards in the Division 1 Superband. These students played in the final concert on stage in front of an audience of over 5000 people.

Our Division 4 Big Band once again made their mark, securing a well-deserved equal third place. Their dedication and artistry shone through, particularly a beautiful flugelhorn solo from Claire Cox, securing her a position in the Division 4 Superband. 

But it wasn't just in the larger ensembles where Donvale excelled. In the Small Jazz Combo, led by Mr. Josh Manusama in Division 2, they proved their versatility and finesse, clinching the second spot just behind Wesley College from South Australia. Their performance was a testament to the skill and synergy of each member, as well as to their hard work over many years of rehearsing and developing the art of improvisation. 

Tarquin Neilsen,  Riley Linden, Soren Swan, Josh Manusama, Alistair Rowse, Noah Sharwood, Rueban Swan, Ray Quadros

To our Division 3 Intermediate big band, who, after being on their feet all day, were the last of the schools to perform to close out the competition, finishing their performance just before tea on the Saturday. Incredible solos and playing by members of the Division 3 band, with special mention to Xavier Wursthorne awarded the Guitar superband position for Division 3. 

Donvale's esteemed vocal director, Mel Searle, continues to lead our vocal ensembles to new heights. Kicking off the day, in Division 3 the Intermediate Vocal Ensemble placed fourth, while our Advanced Vocal Ensemble, performing in the largest section of the festival - Division 2 Large Ensemble - placed tenth in a group of 32 schools. Just so superb - thank you.

In the Division 1 Small Vocal Ensemble category,  Donvale's Altonatives soared once again, narrowly missing out on a podium finish, securing fourth place just behind Wesley College, Ruyton Girls' School, and Yarra Valley Grammar. Their harmonies resonated through the auditorium, leaving audiences spellbound and judges nodding in admiration. 

As the festival drew to a close, Donvale Christian College emerged not only as contenders in each category but also as a school with a great music culture of inclusivity and musical excellence, particularly in the jazz scene. As James Morrison describes the festival:

Generations in Jazz is not just about competition; it's about fostering a love for jazz music and nurturing the next generation of musicians.

It would be wrong not to acknowledge the contributions from our wonderful teaching staff:- Tim Fisher, Mel Searle and Josh Manusama, who direct and lead our ensembles; and Julie Delgado, Andrew Horneman, Viv Stapleton, Sulari Nielsen, Lachlan Smith, Phill Swan and May Gavin, who attended and helped our students simply have the best experience possible. Well done.

We are also deeply grateful for our school's dedicated leadership under Tim Argall, who continue to encourage and support students and staff to thrive in this wonderful part of school life. What an experience GIJ is for all!

From Left: Xavier Wursthorne Div 3 guitar, Tarquin Neilsen Div 1 Drums, Claire Cox Div 4 Trumpet, Riley Linden Div 1 Tenor Sax, Soren Swan Div 1 Trumpet, Nathaniel Reichman Div 1 Baritone Sax .

Results in detail

Division 1 Big Band 

Donvale placed  4 out of 11, score 78.67; winnersSt Peter's College (SA) - 87.33

Division 3.2 Big Band  

Donvale placed 21 out of 25, score 69.00; winners Ballarat Clarendon College - 93.33 

Division 4.2 Junior Big Band  

Donvale placed 3 out of 17, score 78.67; winners St Martin's Lutheran College (SA) - 85.33

Division 2 Small Jazz Combo   

Donvale placed 2 out of 18, score 82.33; winners Wesley College, Perth - 88.67

Division 1 Small Vocal Ensemble (Altonatives)

Donvale placed 4 out of 8, score 84.50; winners Wesley College (VIC) - 95.50

Division 2 Large Vocal Ensemble (Advanced Vocal Ensemble)

Donvale placed 10 out of 34,  score 78.50; winners Wilderness School (SA) - 92.00

Division 3 Vocal Ensemble (Intermediate Vocal Ensemble)

Donvale placed 4 out of 26, score 77.50; winners St Aloysius College (SA) - 85.50