The 44th National Youth Jazz Competition is set to be the biggest yet says National Youth Jazz Competition Manager Liam Ryan.

'It was difficult to postpone the event at Easter due to Covid-19 but the silver lining has been the increased number of schools and bands that have come on board for June,” says Liam.

'We have entries from over 30 secondary schools with 34 Combos and 21 Big Bands competing – this is our biggest competition ever! Five hundred students plus music teachers will ensure Baycourt Community & Arts Centre hums with jazz.”

'We have been especially impressed this year by the number of student bands entering themselves and writing original material. It's great to see their enthusiasm for jazz.”

The 44th National Youth Jazz Competition is part of the 59^th National Jazz Festival and will be held over three days, Sunday June 19 to Tuesday 21 June 2022. As well as student performances there is an evening concert featuring the competition judges. The competition provides an opportunity for not only the students but also the audience to hear the best young jazz performers in New Zealand.

'We highly recommend you buy a half-day or full day ticket and listen to the exceptional performances,” says Liam.

Background programme

44^th National Youth Jazz Competition June 19-21 2022

Sunday June 19

Combo Competition 1pm-5.10pm in XSpace theatre

Monday June 20

Combo Competition 8.30am-5.10pm in XSpace theatre

Big Band Competition 8.30am-5.15pm in Addison theatre

Here Come the Judge! Concert 8-9.30pm in Addison theatre

Tuesday June 21

Combo Competition 8.30am-4.35pm in XSpace theatre

Big Band Competition 8.30am-4.30pm in Addison theatre

Performance by Wellington Allstars Youth Big Band 5-5.30pm in Addison theatre

Prizegiving 5.30-6.30pm in Addison theatre.

For further information visit www.nationalyouthjazz.org.nz

Book tickets at Ticketek or in person at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre Box Office, Tauranga.

59^th National Jazz Festival June 22-26 2022 visit www.jazz.org.nz