On 27 July 2025, Sancta Maria College students from the Music Department participated in the annual Auckland Jazz and Blues competition being held at Birkenhead RSA. This competition allowed schools from across Auckland to not only portray their musical abilities, but to also create friendships.
The morning session began with a smashing hit from the senior combo ‘Mom’s Spaghetti’ – conducted by Kat Tomacruz. Their set had songs: ‘Hargrove’ (featuring piano and guitar solos from Paolo Lecias and Madison Isia), ‘In a Sentimental Mood’ (featuring vocalist: Madison Isia and bass solo by Aaron Santoso), and ‘Recorda Me’ (solos by Rocky Liu, Maia Tay-Morrison and Paolo Lecias).
Another combo featured in the morning session was ‘Big Kahuna Burger’ – conducted by Lukas Fritsch. Their set contained songs: ‘Work Song’ (featuring baritone and guitar solos by Joshua Orange and Audrey Basilio), ‘Softly As In A Morning Sunrise’ (featuring vocalist: Audrey Basilio and solos by Daniel Butcher, Joshua Orange and Gabirel Herula), and ‘Ooooo’ (bass and guitar solos by Arianna Peters and Audrey Basilio).
Still carrying the Sancta Maria College label, ‘Royale With Cheese’ conducted by Finn McNeill played their set: ‘Song for my Father’ (featuring piano and tenor sax solos by Amelia Brzozowski and Ariane Coderio), ‘Footprints’ (solos by Cedric Ybanez, Ariane Coderio, and Max Tay-Morrison), and ‘Afro Blue’ (featuring vocalist: Ariane Coderio and solos by Max Tay-Morrison, Cedric Ybanez, and Rocky Liu).
The last combo of the day was our development combo, Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster’ conducted by Max Tay-Morrison and Audrey Basilio and contained some of our newest and first-time jazz players. Creating an even more suspenseful and enjoyable first-time experience for them, their set included: ‘Cantaloupe’ (Sax solos by Olivia Yang and Christina Chaiatchara), ‘Blue Bossa’ (solos by Raynelle Ramos, Tristan Gray, and Liam Wu), and ‘Softly as in a Morning Sunrise’ (featuring vocalist: Jessa Calacsan with tenor sax and guitar solo by Ryan Massey and Cedric Ybanez).
Congratulations to all combos for receiving a solid silver award expressing amazing musicality and stage performance.
Finally, the one and only Sancta Maria College Big Band conducted by Lukas Fritsch had an opportunity to play jazz one last time before ending their Jazz and Blues competition. Their set included: ‘Nostalgia in Times Square’ (solos by Aaron Santoso, Minky Kim, Ariane Coderio, and Paolo Lecias), ‘Águas de Março’ (duet featuring both vocalists Ariane Coderio and Audrey Basilio, and trumpet solo by Maia Tay-Morrison), ‘Lil Darlin’ (trumpet solo by Max Tay-Morrison), and ‘Banana Phone Bill’ (trumpet and guitar solo by Max Tay-Morrison and Audrey Basilio).After their performance, Sancta Maria College Big Band secured their place in the finals, alongside Avondale College, Rangitoto College, and St. Kentigern College on 3 August.
With stricter rules and a suspenseful atmosphere, the finals ensured each of us strived to play the best three songs (Águas de Março, Lil Darlin’, and Banana Phone Bill). In the end, our Big Band, received an outstanding gold award, with an additional win of an impressive ‘Vibe Award’.
Overall, the annual Auckland Jazz and Blues competition has widened the eyes and experiences for many future musicians, carrying a memorable performance, knowledge, and friends. Thank you to Nathan Haines (Musical Director), Nathan Graves (Commercial Director) and Dave Hudgins (Festival Director) for organising this competition, and an honourable mention to Lukas Fritsch and Kat Tomacruz for your continuing support and musicality!
