The CQCM’s "Big Night In" jazz concert last Friday was a night to be remembered.

The near capacity crowd, which included over 80 'walk-ins', was treated to an eclectic mix of music spanning several genres from the big band sounds of the CQCM Jazz Orchestra to the smooth silky notes of 'radio jazz', then on to the lively rhythms of African music and Reggae.

The audience didn’t know what to expect next as the staff and student showcase progressed, but they were not disappointed. The 2-hour concert was thoroughly entertaining.

CQCM Jazz Coordinator Glen Hodges was MC for the evening and skilfully filled time between acts with amusing stories and anecdotes.

According to Glen, the Bachelor of Jazz Studies students were taken out of their usual ensembles and asked to form new ensembles with students they have not worked with in the past. The concert, which was put together over a 5-day period, was remarkably professional and of exceptionally high standard, especially given the limited production time allowed.

“Given the students were out of their comfort zones, and had just 5 days to rehearse with their new ensembles, they performed to a remarkably high standard and were thoroughly entertaining.” said Glen. “I am very pleased with the way the students took on the challenge and performed on the night.”.

Following the concert, members of the audience were full of praise for the Jazz studies program and the students, with many people approaching Glen to congratulate him and the students on the success of the evening.

One highlight of the evening’s performance was an African drumming piece performed by students from Mackay North State High, lead by Ray Agius.

“I’m sure Mackay City Council would be very pleased to see their wheelie bins being used in such a creative fashion,” said Glen.

Following the success of this year’s student showcase, Glen hopes it will become an annual feature of the Bachelor of Jazz Studies program.

“It was an enormous amount of work for the staff and the students,” said Glen, “but seeing the result we believe the challenge has highlighted the talents and professionalism of our students".

CQCM Jazz lecturer Derrin Kerr, who led the Jazz orchestra on the night, was equally pleased with the outcome and commented that the students “really stepped up to the mark”.

We eagerly anticipate next year’s event.

Photo above: The colourful and vibrant rhythms of the CQCM African Band were very popular, and featured six students from Mackay North State High school, who cleverly incorporated Council wheelie bins into their performance.

Photo left: The sounds of Bob Marley were authentically brought to life by the CQCM Reggae Band.