Generations in Jazz

The history of Jazz music stretches back to places like New Orleans and New York, but its influence is felt globally. One of Australia's best places to experience Jazz is at Mount Gambier, in South Australia’s Limestone Coast, due to an annual event called Generations in Jazz. This event on a farm, in the middle of a muddy cow paddock, accommodates  5000 of Australia's most talented jazz musicians along with jazz legends of today. Past guests have been Big Phat Band, Willie Murillo, Wycliffe Gordon, Marian Petrescu and Jazzmeia Horn. This years line up includes James Morrison, Jeff Clayton, Patti Austen and The Cat Empire (featuring our very own trombone teacher Kieran Conrau). 

There are three main components to the festival: The City of Mount Gambier Stage Band and Vocal Ensemble Awards, The James Morrison Jazz Scholarship and the Saturday Night Entertainment. Over the past 10 years Northcote has participated in this festival and will again when two bands and a vocal ensemble travel to Mount Gambier on May 4th. 

Last year two of our alumni students received awards for demonstrating outstanding Jazz skills. 

2017 James Morrison Jazz Scholarship Winner

• Flora Carbo, Alto Saxophone (NHS Alumni 2015)

Pat Corrigan Future Finalist Award

• Callum Mintzis – Trombone – Northcote High School (NHS Alumni 2017)

Generations in Jazz (GIJ) is open to the public, and is a great weekend away so come  along to the largest Jazz Festival in the Southern Hemisphere.