All that glitters turns to brass
“We are calling on brass instrumentalists to take this opportunity polish up their trumpets and trombones and submit three recorded pieces, with at least one original composition and one with a band including a piano/keyboard, bass and drums to demonstrate to the judges the mastery of their craft”, Adam Simmons
Designed to provide encouragement and exposure to young musicians (up to 35 years of age), the National Jazz Awards have been a central feature of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues since the festival‟s inception in 1990. A different instrument is featured every year, and this year the spotlight turns to brass.
Ten finalists will be chosen to perform at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues on November 3-5 and will vie for $12,000 in prize money and valuable opportunities to gain industry experience and boost their career.
In a National Jazz Awards first, the winner will be invited to perform at the Sena International Jazz Laureate Program, and will receive flights, accommodation and a small artist‟s fee as part of the Rabobank Amersfoort Jazz Festival in May 2018.
Adam Simmons, Co-Artistic Director for the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz &Blues said that the benefits of succeeding in the National Jazz Awards are far reaching.
“The National Jazz Awards have a seriously strong calibre of alumni that include the likes of Barney McAll, James Muller, Phil Slater, Scott Tinkler, Michelle Nicolle and Stephen Magnusson”,
In another National Jazz Awards first, all entrants will receive complimentary access to the online resource at Australian Jazz Real Book (AJRB) until November 5, where a list of Australian composers and compositions for possible use can be found.
“Entrants looking for inspiration for Australian jazz repertoire will be able to access the AJRB online from today up until November 5. Entrants can email artists@wangarattajazz.com for further information and log in details”.
“The AJRB is a phenomenal resource that makes Australian jazz available to the next generation of jazz musicians and as Graeme Bell so aptly put it „prevents it from sinking into the waters of invisibility‟”, Adam Simmons
