Jazz Quest 2024

Bendigo Bank Pambula and Bega Branches logo

The Merimbula Jazz Festival has a policy of showcasing and fostering young jazz musicians. This year the Pambula and Bega Community Banks have generously sponsored a total prize money pool of $5,000 for Jazz Quest.

Jazz Quest is open to all instrumentalists and vocalists in their respective age group. Both categories will be judged by 4 independent, experienced, and qualified judges. They will be using judging forms to assess the various elements of jazz performance, such as tone, tuning, phasing, dynamics, rhythm, and interpretation.

Although certain jazz musicians possess showbiz stage presence, (Duke Ellington and Louis Armstong are past examples), there were many giants of jazz who did not, (Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Paul Desmond) so, the showbiz element of the performance will not be assessed as such.

Conditions of entry

  • Perform 2 contrasting pieces of less than 7 minutes in total duration featuring improvised solos in each – No solos from members in the backing band please.
  • The combined judges’ decisions are final.

There will be two categories:

  • Junior (10 to 15 years)
  • Senior (16 to 25 years)

Prizes

  • Junior; $600, $400, $300, $200
  • Senior $1,500, $1,000, $600, $400

How to Enter

  • Send an email to MerimbulaJazzFestivalProgram@gmail.com with your name, age, instrument (or voice), email address and mobile phone number. Paul Dion will contact you to clarify other details such as backing arrangements, times, and venue.
  • Thanks to those musicians who indicated that they would like to participate in Jazz Quest when they registered – we have your names and Paul will be in touch.