Over the weekend, many of our talented music students had the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Mount Gambier to participate in the renowned Generations in Jazz Festival – a celebration of creativity, collaboration and musical excellence that has become one of Australia’s most significant youth music events.
Generations in Jazz is far more than a competition; it’s a transformative experience for young musicians. The festival brings together thousands of students from schools across Australia, offering a platform not only to perform, but to learn, grow and connect with peers and professionals in the vibrant world of jazz. For our students, this journey marked a major milestone in their musical development.
The Knox School was proudly represented in both the big band and vocal ensemble divisions. These divisions are at the heart of the festival’s mission: to promote growth in jazz, inspire young people to achieve musical excellence and nurture the next generation of band and ensemble leaders.
Beyond the performances, students were immersed in workshops, mentoring sessions and adjudicated performances that provided valuable feedback and insights. Our students got the chance to hear from seasoned educators and professional musicians from across Australia and beyond, gaining knowledge not just about technique but about leadership, resilience, and the dedication required for success in the music world.
One of the festival’s most powerful aspects is how it takes learning out of the classroom and puts it on stage. Students had the opportunity to perform in front of guaranteed audiences – an experience that demanded focus, discipline and courage, and helped them develop a deeper appreciation for live music.
