Wrap Up: Jazzin' Up The Mall 2023

Yamaha Music Australia is proud to partner with Jazzin’ Up The Mall; now celebrating its 20th year! Hosted by Vivace Music, this six day event saw more than 2500 students perform in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall to an appreciative audience of family, friends, city workers and shoppers.

Around 90 different ensembles; jazz bands, concert bands, orchestras and choirs, representing 20+ schools, travelled from across South-East QLD to showcase their musical talent and entertain the masses.

Each group received immediate feedback in the form of a rousing reception that only live performance can provide, along with much-valued constructive notes from adjudicator Phil Davis. For St Michael’s School, Caboolture, it was the first ever public performance for their beginner band.

The students were elated, hearing the roar of applause after their final note. For many students Jazzin’ Up the Mall is an annual highlight where months of practice and rehearsal are rewarded and recognised.

Jazzin’ Up the Mall is one of many events supported by Yamaha Music’s Education Outreach program in a continuous effort to significantly contribute to increased quality and participation in instrumental music around Australia. Music educators are regularly provided with resources and professional development initiatives like ensemble conducting mentorships and workshops from Yamaha Outreach clinician Prof. Rob McWilliams.

Yamaha also provides support for schools to build and sustain music programs, increasing access to music through Yamaha’s partnership with Yul Lil First Nations Music Studio (ANU), and the Great Start Grant; an annual, by-application award of musical instruments, equipment and training gifted to a school to get their music program off the ground.

In 2023 the Great Start Grant was awarded to Northern Peninsula Area State College (QLD), with runners up Freshwater Christian College (QLD) and Frederickton Public School (NSW).

Yamaha Music Australia team members Peter, Kerry and Daniel helped set up, stage manage, and compere Jazzin’ Up the Mall. Not enough thanks can be given to the education team at Vivace Music led by Tina Inns, for their tireless organisation of this incredible festival. A big congratulations to all the students and teachers involved on all their hard work culminating in wonderful performances.