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 independent, experienced, and qualified judges. They will be using judging forms to assess the various elements of jazz performance, such as tone, tuning, phrasing, dynamics, rhythm, and interpretation.
Although certain jazz musicians possess showbiz stage presence, (Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong 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 one item for a maximum of 3 minutes in total duration featuring an improvised solo – 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
- Musicians – please indicate that you would like to participate in Jazz Quest when you register – your names will be passed to Paul Dion who will be in touch.
You can also register by sending us an email – make sure you include the following:
- Your full name
- Your age group (junior or senior)
- The instrument you will be playing (or voice)
- Your email address and phone number
Tell us if you are not performing in a registered band at the Festival, as you will need to pay a $15 Musician Registration fee. We will let you know how.
(if the link to send an email isn’t working for you, the address is [email protected])