5 May 2021

Young musicians from across the state came together last weekend in a celebration of jazz.

Supporting some of Australia’s finest big band, vocal and jazz educators, the first-ever Victorian All-State Jazz Championships took place at St Leonard’s College, Brighton East. The event featured vocal groups and big band musicians from schools throughout Victoria in friendly competition, while sharing their love of music and performance.

Aquinas College, Ringwood, achieved some great recognition with the Harmony Tribes choir receiving first place in the ‘A’ Division Jazz Choir category, as well as a Stagecraft Award. The Senior Harmony group achieved second place in the Premier Small Ensemble category and was also recognised with a Stagecraft Award. Soloist, Charlotte Braat was recognised for her incredible talent with an Outstanding Soloist Award and Lisa Sully, who led both choirs, was awarded the inaugural Vocal Director Award 2021.

Congratulations to all students from Catholic secondary schools across Melbourne for their achievements at the Victorian All-State Jazz Championships, including ensembles/bands from:

• Aquinas College, Ringwood
  • Premier Division Jazz Vocal Ensembles – 2nd place and Stagecraft Award
  • ‘A’ Division Jazz Choirs – 1st place and Stagecraft Award
• Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, Toorak
  • ‘C’ Division Big Bands (Section 1) – 1st place
• St Columba’s College, Essendon
  • ‘C’ Division Big Bands (Section 1) – 2nd place
• St Kevin’s College, Toorak
  • ‘A’ Division Big Bands – 3rd place
• St Monica’s College, Epping
  • ‘B’ Division Jazz Choirs – 1st place
• Siena College, Camberwell
  • ‘B’ Division Big Bands (Section 1) – 1st place
• Xavier College, Kew
  • ‘B’ Division Big Bands (Section 2) – 3rd place.