News

After being on a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the national Big Band and Choral competition, Generations in Jazz, returned to Mount Gambier this year. 2022 was the festivals 35th year running, and the music students and staff from Tenison Woods College were extremely excited to be a part of the festival, although in a slightly different format. This year, submissions by ensembles were to be virtual instead of the usual weekend spent at the Barn competing live, with a crowd of 5000+ student’s and public attending the festival.

Tenison Woods College has a long tradition competing at Generations in Jazz, which is always a highlight of the year for those students involved. This year, four Tenison ensembles competed: Big Band (directed by Jack Heaven), Concert Choir, and Senior Vocal Ensemble, Senior Boys Ensembles (both directed by Beth Creedy and Jody Swiggs).

After waiting over a month for the adjudication results, they finally came last Thursday night, June 16th, at the finale concert held at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre. Tenison Woods Colleges students that had competed were fortunate enough to attend this concert and were treated to musical performances from the likes of James Morrison, Megan Washington, Daren Percival and the GIJ Alumni Big Band, along with many others. This already special night became even more so when it was announced that Senior Vocal Ensemble had come 3rd in the Open (Small Ensemble) Division, and Big Band 2nd in Division 4+. In addition, three students from the Big Band, Ryan Creedy (Drums), Mia Van Gaans (Bass) and Edie Jones (Bass), were selected for the honorary title of “Superband” members for Division 4+. This honour identifies these students as the best players from across Australia in their Division on their instrument.

A big thank you goes out to all the students and staff for their hard work in these trying times to achieve such a good outcome in this national competition.

If you would like to view the Generations In Jazz Livestream - Please click here.