School musicians swing into action, now it's 'Rader' time
Published on 02 August, 2012
Around 100 high school musicians took their playing to a new level over the weekend, inspired by the chance to work with top professionals from the world of jazz...
The inaugural CQUniversity Schools Jazz Festival featured recording artist and composer Jeff Jarvis, the Director of Jazz Studies at California State University, and leading big band drummer John Morrison (brother of James) as guest artists, clinicians and adjudicators.
Jazz lovers flocked to the festival showcase concert on the Sunday evening at the host school, North Rockhampton High. The festival was presented by Yamaha Music Australia and the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music at CQUniversity.
The jazz momentum will continue soon in Rockhampton, with trumpeter Don Rader booked as guest performer alongside the CQUni Little Big Band and other CQUni ensembles for the Rader of the Lost Art Concert from 7.30pm on Friday evening, August 3, at the Helene Jones Room (building 5) on Rockhampton Campus. Tickets will be available at the door for $12 Adults, $8 Concession and $5 Children.
Rader, who has supported many top artists including Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald when based in America, currently has his own quintet with some of the finest young jazz musicians in Australia, and is a member of the highly acclaimed Sydney All Stars Big Band.
* Schools involved included: Bowen State High School Stage Band, Emmaus College Jazz Band, St Ursulas College Jazz Band, The Cathedral College Stage Band, North Rockhampton State High School Stage Band, Rockhampton Grammar School Stage Band, and Gladstone Combined Big Band.
CQUni student vocalist Elissa Finn and backing band members pictured in rehearsal during the festival 
John Morrison (left) and Jeff Jarvis (right standing) perform during the festival