The Hamilton Jazz Society (Inc) proudly presents the Auckland Secondary Schools Big Band in concert at the Waikato Commerce Club, 197 Collingwood Street, Hamilton, Sunday 25thNovember, 4.30-7.30pm. They will be joined by The Studebakers as our supporting act.
The Auckland Secondary Schools Big Band was formed in October of last year, inviting 26 of the best young jazz musicians from secondary schools across Auckland. They rehearse at Lynfield College and last year played two gigs and recorded around 8 tracks, most of which are on their youtube channel. A large number of last year’s band have gone on to study Jazz at the Sydney Con, NZSM in Wellington, or Auckland University. This year, the band again consists of 26 outstanding students from 11 different schools. They are a 20-piece Big Band, with 3 vocalists, and 2 complete rhythm sections. Their first gig was at the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club on October 23, playing arrangements recorded by the Buddy Rich Big Band, Ella Fitzgerald, Diane Schuur, Count Basie, Sammy Nestico, Rodger Fox etc. The band is directed by Paul Norman, a brass and jazz teacher in Auckland.
Our supporting act this month is The Studebakers, introducing Burty Bedeux from Mauritius on keys, (some of you will have heard Burty at Nivara), he is joined by Stuart Bayes and Simon Hopewell.