The Wright Family Foundation 46th National Youth Jazz Competition went off with foot-tapping beats and funky tunes last week, honing the skills of the next jazz generation!

With three full performance days, the competition saw more than 600 secondary students come from across Aotearoa to give their best.

The Weekend Sun caught up with Bethlehem College Year 13 students Isla Bircham and Luke Tuhairwe after their Big Band performance.

“It’s our last year playing at Jazz Fest so it just feels more special growing with the band and working together,” says Isla, who plays trumpet.

After playing their sets, the event’s judges Lana Law and Dr Rodger Fox gave the Big Band some pro pointers.

“Dr Rodger Fox is always good in the rhythm section and gives a lot of good tips,” says Luke, who plays guitar.

“The feedback they get from guest judges after they perform is really valuable, as is watching other school bands – there is always something to learn and aspire to from watching others,” says BC director of performance music Kelly Hayward.

Auckland’s King College took out the Best of Festival Trophy for Most Outstanding Jazz Band.

Later in the year, Kelly says BC’s Big Band will head to Wellington for the Musicworks Ensemble Festival Aotearoa to further finesse their jazz music.

“Jazz is a great vehicle to explore creativity within music, especially when students begin to improvise, and it also teaches them good fundamentals of technique and playing with others,” says Kelly.

“It’s a lot more technical than other kinds of music and more freeing,” says Luke.

“It’s different and cool, and I can kind of bob my knees to it,” says Isla.