Hitting a high note: Students head to Generations in Jazz

A group of Blackfriars musicians will kick off Term 2 in a most noteworthy way.

Blackfriars will take 33 students, from Years 6 to 12, to this weekend’s Generations in Jazz festival, Australia’s biggest celebration of school-based jazz bands and musicians.

It is the largest number of Blackfriars students to attend Generations in Jazz in recent years. Across the weekend, more than 3000 student musicians are expected to perform.

For acting Head of Performing Arts Blake Ascione, it will be his first time leading the Blackfriars’ contingent. His last experience of Generations in Jazz was as a student.

“It’s a huge number of boys we’re taking, but I think we’re pretty prepared and pretty excited. And I think we’re set up to do pretty well,” Mr Ascione said.

“The boys have worked exceptionally hard to get up to standard. So, we’re all coming along nicely.”

He was expecting a “strong showing” from both bands.

“I think Stage Band 1, in particular, is looking very strong,” he said.

“I wasn’t involved last year. But from what the boys said, there are certain guys who have come up; some guys matured a little bit more, and they’ve put together a really, really strong group, and they’re feeling really confident amongst themselves, which can only help.

“Stage Band 2 is looking pretty good now, as well. Obviously, they’re a development band, so, we’re not expecting them to place first in their division. But we are about the experience and we are expecting a strong showing from them.”

Music Administration Assistant Nat Cruse will also travel with the Blackfriars boys for the first time. As with Mr Ascione, it will be her first time at the festival since her student days.

“I was actually a Division 2 Super Band member, on the baritone sax,” said Ms Cruse, who came to Blackfriars in Term 1 this year.

“I’ve been around Generations In Jazz, as far as helping bands when I’ve worked at other schools … but I’ve never actually gone to Generations as a staff member. This is exciting to be able to actually see it all happen.”

Mr Ascione said the school was well-placed for years to come.

“It is a testament to how strong the (music) program is at the moment that we have two very, very strong, confident bands, and we have so many boys coming up who are getting ready to just go straight into those bands and maintain that standard, which is excellent.”

For Year 12 student Luke Tsavdaridis, this will be his last Generations in Jazz.

“I am excited for Generations In Jazz this year, as it will be the one weekend when our music community truly comes together,” Luke said.

“Along with most members of Stage Band 1 – and some from Stage Band 2 – I will have attended the festival since its reopening in 2023, and I believe our experience together will help us perform exceptionally.”

As well as the competition, Generations in Jazz features performances by some of Australia’s – and the world’s – best musicians.

This year, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band headlines the festival. Out of Los Angeles, the 18-piece band, led by four-time Grammy-winner Graham Goodwin, will take time out of its US tour to perform at Generations in Jazz.