The Wellington College and Wellington Girls’ College Big Band travelled to the Tauranga Jazz Festival over the week of 25th March. They took part in the National Youth Jazz Competition, which consisted of 23 Big Bands and 48 Combos, all competing for prizes while also joining in workshops, a variety of performances, and jams with other musicians.
Both the WC/WGC Big Band and Combo were awarded Gold at the competition, and the Big Band also won the SOUNZ trophy for best performance of a New Zealand composition for Just Add Water. This was their second year in a row winning that category.
Congratulations to all the band members, particularly to WGC students Hasini Perera (Yr 13) and Greer Castle (Yr 12). Hasini is a member of the Big Band and Greer is a part of both Big Band and Combo. Their next competition will be when they travel to the Manawatu Jazz Festival at the start of June.