Generations in Jazz 2017

Generations in Jazz (GIJ) is one of Australia’s most prolific Jazz music education and performance events. Held annually in picturesque Mount Gambier, the festival features multiple divisions of secondary school large jazz ensembles, smaller combos, and vocal ensembles from over 100 schools, vying for the coveted GIJ trophy. Scholarship applicants from two fields are also featured at GIJ; vocal and instrumental soloist. GIJ also awards outstanding performers in each section over the weekend, including awards for future finalists, trombone section, and best drummer.

Yamaha had a number of instruments on display and being tested during the festival, both on our Jam Stage and in our Band and Orchestral display run in conjunction with Winston Pianos. It was great to see numerous generations of brass and woodwind players enthused by gear!

Yamaha gave away a number of free water bottles for thirsty young minds as well as hosting our own impromptu jams featuring the digital drum kit, PA, and electronic keyboards Winston Pianos brought, along with the Silent Bass and numerous brass and woodwind instruments. Dr Rob (Yamaha’s Education Outreach Clinician) was on hand to answer any music education related questions and Brae Grimes (Yamaha Product Specialist) was around to diagnose repairs and answer any tricky technical specification related brass and woodwind questions.

The whole weekend was capped off by performances by the likes of Wycliffe Gordon, Gordon Goodwin, Matt Jodrell, James Morrison, Jazzmeia Horn, The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Gordon Rytmeister, and many more.