Students ready to jam again

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Smooth sounds from students will return to Marlborough this August 9-12 as the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival gets set to return. This one-of-a-kind event provides a unique opportunity for young performers to compete, perform and learn from well-respected musicians. Music fans can look forward to nights out around Marlborough to experience top quality jazz, organisers say.

“We are so fortunate that both our council and KBB Music sees the

“It’s a unique event, and students thrive on its opportunity to perform in public venues, compete and mix with their peers as well as benefiting from such a huge learning opportunity from our well-respected judges.

“We know from past experience how our community loves to get out and support the schools’ performances and our local venues benefit in the quieter winter month of August.” of the competition and the onenight-only All-Stars Band who perform alongside our prestigious judges, including the famed jazz musician Rodger Fox”.

Southern Jam will also see the 21 bands from 13 South Island schools perform to crowds at cafes, pubs and restaurants, before the finale Gala Concert.

“This band is comprised of the top achieving students who rehearse together with the judges to bring a unique experience for both the students and the audiDirector of Performance Music at Marlborough Boys’ College

(MBC) Robin Randall helped set up the very first festival. He says he is excited to see the event return after a few years on hiatus.

“In the late 90’s we put together a combined colleges band for the Tauranga Jazz Festival Youth Nationals and Christine Brown, who was one of the parent chaperones, said to me ‘why can’t we have something like this in Marlborough?’ so it all started from there”, says Robin.

Robin is entering two of his MBC bands in this year’s competition.

“We’ll have a funky 10-piece band, plus our jazz duo entered in this year’s competition, he says.

With back-to-back musical competitions and productions in July and August and Southern Jam topping it all off, Robin says he can’t wait for Marlborough to come alive with the sound of music.

“It’s the time of year our musicians live for.”

To keep up to date with all the jazz, like the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival Facebook page or Pure Events Marlborough page. Visit www.asbtheatre.com for tickets, with a limited time ticket discount until 24th June.