While nothing can replicate the GIJ experience in Mount Gambier, SA schools are very fortunate to now have this competition and celebration of jazz music to motivate students and share their development with the community. Adelaide University’s Scott Theatre and Elder Hall hosted performances across Friday night and Saturday. PAC’s four secondary big bands competed in Divisions 1 to 4, making us the only SA school to have big bands in all four competitive divisions.
Our students conducted themselves wonderfully around campus, and performed with skill, professionalism and passion, achieving the following results:
Big Band 1 - Div 1 - 2nd Place & Gold Award
Big Band 2 - Div 2 - 2nd Place & Gold Award
Big Band 3 - Div 3 - Silver Award
Big Band 4 - Div 4 - Merit Award
Big Band 1 also won the Best Trumpets and Best Trombones section awards, plus an Outstanding Soloist Award for Dinan Perera, indicating just how close the contest came between PAC and Marryatville. Big Band 2 was only bested by the first band from Woodville High School. For Big Bands 3 and 4, they are mainly competing against the first or second bands from other schools, so these young musicians do an outstanding job in those divisions. Our strong showing alongside special interest music schools (and all schools) is something all involved in the Music program can be very proud of.
Victoria ran their GIJ replacement event concurrently (the VIC All-State Jazz Championships), with judges flying across states to adjudicate both top divisions. St. Leonard’s were awarded the national title, but two of our boys were recognised in the ‘National All-Star Big Band’: Lead Trumpet - Ben Spitty, and Lead Trombone - Josh Fedele. A fantastic effort by these two students. Recognition must go to Bands Coordinator Adam Mason for his tireless efforts, along with Big Band 1 Director Mr Tom Pulford and Big Band 4 Director Mr Marco Callisto.
Andrew Edge
Director of Music