Scotch Secures First Jazz Victory
Music has always been a prominent part of student life at Scotch College, with many opportunities for students to showcase their skills and talents in music performance. A significant part of the music curriculum at Scotch is the Generations in Jazz Festival in Mount Gambier, SA, which Scotch has attended four times in the last five years. The festival began in 1982 and has grown into one of the biggest gatherings of music students in the country. It takes place over three days and includes competitive performances from school jazz ensembles from all over the country, concerts with world renowned musicians, practice sessions, workshops and masterclasses, and trade stalls and exhibtions. It attracts over 100 schools from around Australia and New Zealand as well as professional musicians from all around the world. This normally amounts to around 5,500 participants descending on Mount Gambier to celebrate their musical passion.
Scotch attended the 2018 festival (Friday, 4 May – Sunday 6, May) where students were immersed in a musical environment that gave them the opportunity to grow, learn and witness professional jazz musicians in action. They prepared for their competitive performances with a two and a half hour workshop from renowned Australian jazz musician, arranger and composer Graeme Lyall AM. To the delight of the music staff and boys, the Scotch College Big Band Two placed first in the City of Mount Gambier National Stage Band Awards (Division 3.1) defeating over 50 bands from Victoria, SA Queensland and Tasmania. This is the first time Scotch has placed first in any division at the Generations in Jazz Festival, the highest result for Scotch was fourth place in the same division in 2017. This demonstrates the growing strength of the boys and their dedication to their music.
Additionally, Scotch guitarist and Music Captain, Kyle Imlah, (Year 12, Keys) was named to the Division 3 Superband, which is comprised of the best young musicians from the schools represented in division 3. This is truly an outstanding individual achievement and demonstrates the depth of talent we have here at the College. We look forward to returning to the festival next year to see a new generation of Scotch boys experience being in such a warm and inviting musical environment.
