38th National Youth Jazz Competitions

38TH NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ COMPETITIONS

As the premier youth jazz event for talented young musicians the National Youth Jazz Competition aims to foster excellence in jazz performance and provide a place for emerging musicians to meet, learn from, and work with other performers and leading experts.

Over the two days students hone their talents and showcase their musicianship as they compete against each other for trophies and glory. Past winners include saxophonist Nathan Haines, vocalist Hollie Smith and award winning pianist Charmaine Ford.

In the lead up to the National Youth Jazz Competition band directors from across New Zealand spend hundreds of hours rehearsing and honing their bands performance. As Easter draws near 240 students from 16 secondary schools across the country gather in Tauranga to perform in front of full audiences for the two days of competition.

Led by Liam Ryan, National Youth Jazz Competition Co-ordinator and Performing Arts Manager at CPIT in Christchurch, with the renowned Dr Rodger Fox as head judge, the event has two of New Zealand’s leading jazz figures at its head. With a strong history as the most significant youth jazz competition, the event is recognised for its professionalism and the opportunities it offers to up-and-coming musicians.

In 2013, the National Jazz Festival introduced the Baby Jazz and Young Guns of the Blues series. As an avenue to further develop the National Youth Jazz Competition, this provides an opportunity for musically talented Primary and Intermediate students to gain performance experience and prepare them for participating in the Youth Jazz Competition once they enter Secondary School. These select young musicians will perform at the Baycourt X Space on Friday 3 April and at The Jazz Village Preservation Hall on Monday 6 April.

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For more information contact: Liam Ryan, National Youth Jazz Competition Coordinator

DDI 64 3 940 8761 or Cell 021 0421 322 email: liamryan@farmside.co.nz

National Youth Jazz Competition – 9 Big Bands, 13 Combos – 16 schools

Venue: Baycourt Addison Theatre

Big Bands: Friday 3 April 9am – 4.30pm

Combos: Saturday 4 April 9am – 4.30pm

General admission: $19 full day pass, $12 half day pass, Children under 12 Free.

Baby Jazz & Young Guns of the Blues

Venue: Baycourt X Space

Baby Jazz: Friday 3 April 11am- 12.30pm

Young Guns of the Blues: Friday 3 April 1.30pm-3pm

Venue: The Jazz Village Preservation Hall

Monday 6 April 12pm-2pm

2015 National Youth Jazz Competition Judges

Dr Rodger Fox

Renowned trombonist, jazz educator, musical director/arranger, big band leader and multi-award winner recognised for his services to music with an ONZM in 2003.

Jon Papenbrook (USA)

Lead trumpet player with many international artists including Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, Michael Bolton, The Buddy Rich Big Band, and Harry James Orchestra.

Lauren Ellis

Tauranga-born, currently drummer with the Wellington Jazz Orchestra. Lauren is a teacher as well as being in demand as a touring session musician.

Tom Rainey

Christchurch based pianist/arranger, composer, jazz educator and conductor - he has played with James Morrison, Nat Adderly, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Dave Dobbyn.

Head Judge – Dr Rodger Fox

Big Band Judges:

Dr Rodger Fox, Jon Papenbrook, Lauren Ellis

Combo Judges:

Dr Rodger Fox, Tom Rainey, Lauren Ellis

ENDS

National Jazz Festival Tauranga 2-6 April 2015 www.jazz.org.nz

Tickets available www.ticketek.co.nz phone 0800 842 538

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