Dunedin Youth Jazz Festival 2025

It's safe to say Jazz in Dunedin is going from strength to strength, and the Dunedin Youth Jazz Festival is no exception. Young musicians from 11 schools across Otago (including Cromwell and Wānaka) congregated at Hanover Hall on Friday for the festival, which has quickly become a mainstay of school jazz in the area over the last few years. This year's special guest judge was Lana Law (Christchurch) - leader of the All Girl Big Band and an amazing Saxophonist in her own right.

Our students, along with new sax player Inge from St. Hilda's (their first time being represented at the competition!) performed wonderfully on the day under the direction of Ross Kane, our itinerant woodwind teacher and resident jazz guru.

The JMC Big Band performed three pieces:

• Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise - originally by jazz great John Coltrane

• Saving All My Love For You' by Whitney Houston, (featuring a sultry solo from Ed Ferro on lead Alto!)

and

• 'Walk the Dinosaur' - an upbeat 80s number originally performed by Was (Not Was), featuring an infectious group chant which really got the audience going!

The band earned a Gold award for their energising performance, which you can check out on the JMC Department YouTube Channel.

Not to be outdone, the JMC Small Combo also came away with a Gold award for their performance of 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes' by Jerome Kern and 'It Runs Through Me' by Tom Misch. A special shout out to Adrian Prasath who led the band, performing on Keys, and Vocals in the second number.

For their capable playing, Adam Ludgate (Guitar), Mitchell Urquhart (Drums) and Will Laws (Tenor Sax - brand new this year thanks to the John McGlashan PFA!) all earning spots in the All Star Band, who received a masterclass with Lana on Saturday.

Anyone who's organised an event like this before will know it's no easy feat - so our hats go off to Dr Will Martin and the team at the Dunedin Jazz Club for pulling it all together. Here's looking forward to another great festival next year!