Western Australian Schools' Jazz Festival

The WA Schools' Jazz Festival is run in conjunction with the Australian Jazz Education Association. In 2010, the festival will be held at Scotch College on Saturday, 7 August and Sunday, 8 August.

Application forms for the festival will be available to download by 2 April 2010. Application forms will not be posted to schools.

On other pages:

• Suggested Repertoire

The aims of the festival are:

• To give ensembles an opportunity to play in an outstanding venue.
• To give ensemble members an opportunity to hear others perform.
• To provide each ensemble with constructive comments from informed adjudicators.
• To present to each ensemble a certificate which recognises its participation.

There are 2 ensemble categories in the festival. The Combo category is designed for smaller jazz groups with 8 players or less. This is a great opportunity for advanced students or for schools having difficulty putting a together a larger ensemble. In the Full Ensemble category there are two divisions. The Senior division is aimed at more experienced, balanced ensembles, while the Junior division is more appropriate for less experienced or unbalanced ensembles.

Although there are no set pieces, ensembles are encouraged to choose a balanced jazz program that includes a Swing arrangement and a Ballad, complementing this with either a Latin or a fusion/rock jazz tune. A list of suggested titles is available here. Groups playing Level 1/2 pieces should enter the Junior Division.

Each participating group, whether full ensemble or combo, is expected to present an appropriate program of up to three pieces, with a total performance time not exceeding 15 minutes. While teachers or other adults are permitted to play in participating ensembles, the ensemble will not be eligible for a Section or Ensemble Award.

Many prizes are awarded at the Festival for individual performers, sections and entire ensembles. These prizes have been generously donated by the Billy Hyde Music, AJEA, the Perth Jazz Society and the Jazz Club of WA.

Specialist Instrumental Workshops

Specialist Instrumental Workshops with WA's leading jazz artists/clinicians will be held during the festival, all festival participants are encouraged to attend. Workshops will include Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Bass and Drums. Students interested in attending workshops should contact Billy Hyde Music for further details.

For further information contact Brian Copping or Paul Duhig at the School of Instrumental Music.