College musos all shook up

THE Elizabeth College Stage Band and A Capella Group will represent Tasmania alongside students from all around Australia at the annual Generations in Jazz Festival at Mt Gambier in May.

The festival began as a tiny gathering in 1982 and has grown to feature more than 4000 student musicians from more than 100 schools and is led by renowned Australian and global jazz artists.

Elizabeth College students will have the chance to attend clinics and concerts over the three days with international musicians from around the world, with US saxophone sensation Jeff Clayton; Grammy Award winner Patti Austin; and virtuoso Australian trumpeter James Morrison among the big names.

“It’s a huge eye-opener for our students,” music teacher Les Johnston said.

“They come back focused and determined to take their musicianship to the next level,” Mr Johnston said.

“It’s great for the staff here at the college, too. We get to discuss and share ideas with other musical directors from schools across Australia.”

The Generations in Jazz tour is one of many specialty performing arts offerings that draw students to study at Elizabeth College.

Aspiring musicians who come to the college work with specialist tutors in a range of classical and contemporary ensembles and have the opportunity to perform at places like Government House, principals’ conferences and jazz festivals.

There are also many opportunities for students involved in drama, from technical production to onstage roles in shows throughout the year including the annual college musical.

Rehearsals are well under way for this year’s musical, All Shook Up. Inspired by the songs of Elvis Presley, this is one show that will get toes tapping when it opens in June.