Music

Vocal and Big Band perform at Generation in Jazz

Where do I begin when writing about The Generations in Jazz (GIJ) Music Festival, except to note that this was an experience that I will not forget. Despite a substantial bus trip to Mt Gambier, the wait was well worth it. Once we had set up all our equipment and organised sleeping arrangements at the Easts Gambier Soccer Club, we set off for the opening nights concert, joined by 5000 other passionate music students from around the country. On this night, we were lucky to see some amazing performances from James Morrison and guest artists such as jazz vocalists Kurt Elling and Liz Wright, jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Ensemble.

 

Saturday was performance day with hundreds of ensembles and vocal groups performing in their respective divisions. Our Jazz Ensemble performed three pieces: ‘Deacon Jack’s Gospel Shack’, ‘Londonderry Air’ and the set piece ‘A Little Lee’. Meanwhile our Vocal Ensemble performed “Orange Coloured Sky” and the set piece “Your Best Friend”.  

Both groups delivered amazing performances, and from my viewpoint as a member of the Vocal Group, the atmosphere on stage was absolutely phenomenal.

Saturday evening saw us attending another amazing night of performances from the international stars that had been invited to the festival.

Sunday morning consisted of some inspiring workshops on areas such as improvisation, jazz vocal techniques, jazz ensemble playing and others areas. This was then followed by the closing ceremony and the presentation of the awards.

 

I am delighted me to be able to say that our Vocal Ensemble came third in our division but there was even better news to follow.

The Generations in Jazz committee recognise the efforts of music directors through awarding two Spirit of GIJ awards.  We were all thrilled when our own Mr Walter Saluni was announced as the inaugural winner of the Vocal Ensemble Directors Award. A great honour and recognition of the amazing work that Mr Saluni has done with the vocalists at St Bede’s.

 

Having been at St  Bede’ s for nearly six years , I can easily say that participating at Generations in Jazz has been one of the major highlights of my time as a student at the College.

 

 

 

 

Rhys Bennett

Music Captain 2019