Music News
Generations in Jazz 2017
On the 5th of May, the Nossal Big Band set off on a bus driven by Mr Page (our principal as well as a fellow jazz fanatic) and accompanied by James Mustafa (our wonderful Big Band director) and Ms Chapple (another lovely jazz enthusiast). Ready with our instruments, excitement, and plenty of food for the ride, we made our way to Mt Gambier where the festival was held. We were lucky enough to share a house provided by one of the locals, conveniently positioned next to some other natives (the jazz cows). That night we were treated to an exceptional performance, complete with the stunning vocals of Jazzmeia Horn, the breathtaking saxophone playing of Emmy and Grammy award-winning Gordon Goodwin, the astonishing trombone playing of crowd favourite Whycliffe Gordon and of course, the sizzling trumpet playing of Australian Jazz icon Mr James Morrison (just to name a few).
Filled with inspiration from all the performances, we performed our own pieces the next morning, competing in Division 4. It was an absolute delight to play in front of Nick Mulder, a successful trombonist and the writer of our test piece ‘Second Take’. Along with this piece we piece we played a ballad called ‘Skylark’ (composed by James Mustafa) and our own choice ‘Basic Basie’. We all enjoyed ourselves immensely and unanimously agreed that it had been our best performance yet. Following our performance, we had the opportunity to roam the grounds and listen to many of the other school bands, including some truly amazing ones in Division One.
That night the concert brought with it an additional set of Jazz royalty, including the Adelaide symphony orchestra, the exceptional Mat Jodrell on trumpet, the quirkily different Ollie McGill from the Cat Empire, as well as the exquisite Marian Petrescu on piano. The band was privileged to hear such professionals, each a master of his/her instrument with a unique flavour to their playing that made it all the more interesting. It was decided that a band favourite was ‘A Night in Tunisia’ played by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. That night, they also announced the super band, (the best player of each instrument across their division is awarded this coveted prize) with our very own Nathan Iuoras getting into the band for his spectacular piano solo in the ballad.
On Sunday each member of the band went to a workshop which was specialised for our instruments. In other words, we got to learn from the best! Each of us came out with some tricks of trade which we will definitely use in the future. That afternoon, the concert summed up the experience with even more incredible playing, including performances from the Super Band of Division 1 as well as more playing from all the legends that had played the previous nights.
Overall, the Generations experience is one that I will definitely treasure forever. It was an opportunity which not only allowed us to come closer together as a band but also gave us the chance to watch and learn from a range of truly inspirational players.
Malinthi Mallawa - Year 12
Jazz Night 2017
Thursday May 11 saw the second annual Jazz Night take place at Nossal. This year the event was expanded to include other ensembles performing a programme of light and contemporary music.
The evening kicked off with the Big Band performing material from their recent trip to Generations in Jazz. They were followed by items from the Junior and Senior Guitar ensembles, Choir, String, Percussion and Flute ensembles, and a guest appearance by Ms Sue Harrap. The evening finished with a performance by professional group The Horns of Leroy, which were joined by Nossal students in a massed band performance, which had the audience on its feet clapping and dancing to ‘Oh When the Saints’. (Check out the video of the finale on the Principal's Desk page.)
This event was very well attended, attracting a record breaking crowd and forcing many people to stand throughout – this added an aura of verisimilitude to the Nossal Jazz Café! We would like to thank the PFA supporting us in this event, by collecting the gold coin donation and for organising and drawing the raffle, which added a frisson of excitement to the already electric atmosphere.
Helen Metcalfe
Director of Music
