The Wright Family Foundation 47th National Youth Jazz Competition wrapped up on a high note at the Baycourt Community and Arts Centre in Tauranga.

The competition, held from April 7-9, brought together 747 secondary school students from schools across the country, showcasing their talent in 30 Big Bands and 54 Combos.

Competition Manager Liam Ryan said the surge in participation highlights the growing popularity of jazz among young musicians.

“We had a record number of registrations from 36 secondary schools as far and wide as Wellington to Orewa,” said Ryan.

“The competition has grown in popularity with the support of the school music leaders and the students themselves who want to play jazz.

"Also, it was great to see the Tauranga audience come out and support the young musicians – we had over 1000 attendees watch over the three days.”

High praise from esteemed judges

Judges for the Big Band division—Lana Law (All Girl Big Band, Christchurch), Dave Wilson, and Lance Philip (Victoria University of Wellington)—were thoroughly impressed by the level of musicianship on display.

Meanwhile, Combo judges Ben Wilcock (Toi Ohomai) and Eilish Wilson (Te Kōkī – New Zealand School of Music) had the tough task of adjudicating 54 bands performing over the three days, but said they loved every minute of it.

Following their performances, students participated in workshops and received feedback directly from the judges—adding a valuable educational element to the event.

A new milestone: National Youth Jazz Competition Big Band

Ryan said this year’s National Youth Jazz Competition showcased the best of youth jazz in the country.

“The standard of performances continue to increase, with returning students gaining proficiency every year.

"Our kaupapa this year was excellence and for the first time we featured and auditioned a National Youth Jazz Competition Big Band who blew us away.

“A big thank you must go to the school musical directors, young performers who played their hearts out, parents and support teams who came along and made it happen.”

He also praised the initiative shown by many self-organised bands who made the journey to Tauranga independently, highlighting a growing culture of musical self-motivation among young performers.

Local talent takes home top honours

Tauranga Boys’ College had a particularly strong showing:

• Zavier Churchouse won the David Proud Trophy for Best Combo Trombonist

• Ollie Larsen received two awards: the Edwina Thorne Trophy for Best Big Band Trumpet and the Brian Geoghan Trophy for Best Combo Trumpet

Ensemble Awards for Tauranga Boys' College:

• Gold – TBC Big Band One, Lennux Deluxe Combo, Horn’s Kin Combo

• Silver – TBC Big Band Two

• Bronze – The Dream Combo

• Emerging Band – The Magnificent Seven Combo

Tauranga Girls’ College also made their mark, with their Big Band earning a Silver Award.

More than a competition—a community

Ryan said this year felt like more than just a competition, and more like a national jazz community in the making.

“We are very grateful to our sponsors for their support in hosting this event," Ryan said.

"Especially our naming sponsor the Wright Family Foundation – with their help we have been able to grow the depth of the competition adding jazz workshops for the students to mix it up and jam with other school bands on common ground.

"It was a great experience for the students and has been a wonderful three days of youth jazz.

Sponsors of the event include Tauranga City Council, TECT, Wright Family Foundation, Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music, SAE Institute, Music Planet, Dr Toot, Creative Communities Tauranga, and NZCT.