“Ya like jazz?”
Fortunately for our school community, Sancta Maria College’s annual student-led Jazz Night returned!
You might expect Jazz Night to be about the typical jazz culture: complex music theory and analysing improvisational solos. However, this year’s event went full-out, mainly honoring our Year 13s as they approach their final year with us.
To mark the occasion, our staffroom was transformed into a Grammy-worthy jazz club, thanks to the hard work of our senior students and teachers. From decorations, delicious food, budgeting, lighting, and performances, the preparation was no small feat. Who knew the staffroom had the potential to look this good?
A Full Night of Jazzy Performances
The evening began with funny jokes from our typical duo and hosts Jake Price and Aaron Santoso. Further opening our talented student-led ensembles:
- Stage Band
- Dev Combo 1
- Dev Combo 2
Each group brought its own character to their performances, showcasing their musicianship and collaborative spirit that make jazz such a special part of Sancta Maria College.
This was further embraced with our more experienced senior combos:
- Blue Brioche Buns
- Big Kahuna Burger
- Mama’s Ramen
Celebrating our Year 13s
Before the evening reached its final showcase – Big Band co-hosts, Audrey Basilio and Ariane Cordeiro, took a moment to recognise the Year 13 students who have contributed to the jazz department throughout their time at Sancta Maria College.
Rather than presenting conventional awards, the evening celebrated each student’s individual personality through a series of light-hearted awards. Every award offered a personal tribute to the people who have helped shape our jazz community.
Each award was a reminder that a music department is more than just rehearsals and performances, but rather about the friendships, inside jokes, and shared experiences that develop along the way.
Speaking of awards, we had an extra competition of Best Dressed that evening. We further congratulate Maia Tay-Morrison who took home the crown and title of Best Dressed! For a Grammy-inspired theme, the competition was certainly one to watch.
Ending Credits
Finally, it was time for the evening’s last performance: Big Band.
In a fitting tribute to their years together, we performed three of our best songs without charts to not only demonstrate musicality, but also the trust and familiarity we have developed through years of playing together. With two additional encores, it was clear that neither the performers nor the audience were quite ready for the night to end.
The evening concluded with an emotional speech from Lukas Fritsch, bringing a heartfelt moment to a celebration filled with laughter and music. After years of rehearsals, performances, and shared memories, the finale was not simply another set on the programme, it was an opportunity to recognise how far these musicians had come and the community they had built together.
Although the heat had us sweating, it certainly did not defeat the purpose of the evening: connection, smiles, and most importantly, sharing our love of music because that is what music does to each and every one of us!
A huge thank you to our senior students and teachers for helping organise this memorable event. Special thanks to itinerant teachers, Lukas Fritsch, Kathleen Tomacrus, and Finn McNeill for continually bringing the joy of music to Sancta Maria College and nurturing the musical community that made this night possible.
