Our girls were truly on-song at the prestigious Generations in Jazz festival in Mount Gambier last weekend, taking out a swag of awards in a competition involving about 4700 students from schools around the nation. Our Vocal Quintet was crowned best small vocal ensemble in the highest division, one of the top three categories of the event. Our other vocal group was named best large ensemble in Division 2. Our Stage Band also impressed the crowds and four of our girls scored individual honours. We thank the girls for their wonderful work and leadership; the positive approach and dedication they have all modelled is one of the main factors in our success.
Check out the video below to see the girls in action live on ABC Radio Adelaide!
Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music
Every single Stage Band, Enchanté and Vocal Quintet student should be so proud of what they achieved. Looking back on the hours of note bashing, choreography, workshops and working on fine details, I can honestly say every minute was worth it. I am so grateful to the school for entering Saints Girls into this competition every year and for enabling me to be a part of it. This year, the Quintet had the privilege of participating in a workshop with Sally Cameron. This was a fantastic opportunity to work with an amazing vocalist who challenged us to think about different approaches to our sound as a small ensemble.
For me, the most exciting moment of the entire weekend was when several girls were acknowledged with individual awards. Izzy Norman’s powerful performance of ‘Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child’ won her the Division 2 best vocalist award, an outstanding achievement! I am very grateful to have been given the same accolade, the Ron Denning Award, for Division 1. Being able to walk up on the stage in front of almost 5000 people and receive such an honour was very moving and I’d like to thank Erin McKellar who helped me reach that point.
For all the girls who think they can’t sing, who think that their goal is too high or believe the old ‘I just don’t have the brain’ – well, I never thought I could sing jazz! This competition is an incredible opportunity to network, develop as a musician, enjoy the hype of performing and explore the genre of jazz, and while I am sad that this was my last one, I am thrilled that I and the other Year 12s left with a bang. Well done girls!
Sarah Brownridge
Music Captain, Year 12 Chorister/Pianist (Vocal Quintet, Enchanté, Stage Band)
I cannot express how thrilled and grateful I am for our success at my final Generations in Jazz and for being given the opportunity to participate. GIJ isn’t just a chance to perform, it’s also an opportunity to learn more about jazz and meet like-minded individuals who inspire you to achieve your goals. There is no doubt that the performances we gave on the day were some of, if not, the best we have done and this is attributable to the dedication of the girls and our music tutors. From Friday evening rehearsals for Stage Band to the infamous Sunday morning rehearsals for Enchanté, the commitment of these girls is a credit to Saints and the staff. I would especially like to thank our Stage Band Director Ms Rounsevell, Enchanté Director Mrs Noble and Robyn Habel for their endless support and encouragement. Every GIJ teaches you new things that don’t only develop you as an artist, but help you grow an even bigger appreciation of music. Generations truly is a life-changing experience.
Sophie S
Year 12 Chorister, Tenor Saxophone (Enchanté and Stage Band)
I have been to Generations in Jazz for six years in a row and each time has sent something new and exciting my way. Over the years, I have particularly enjoyed the experience of being surrounded by so many like-minded people in a place where music is embraced wholeheartedly. Everyone who travels to GIJ aims to come out of the experience having developed skills as musicians. I would like to congratulate Antonia Kirsten-Parsch (Baritone Saxophone) and Ellen Zhang (Trumpet) for getting into the Division 3 Superband comprising the best musicians in the whole division – an amazing feat that highlights the talent we have at Saints Girls. When we put all of our individual talents together, we get something that is truly incredible. Enchanté’s rendition of ‘Sometimes I Feel like a Motherless Child’ reduced the audience to tears, while Stage Band had the whole crowd bopping along to their music. To have Saints Girls dominate such a prestigious competition is phenomenal and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. Thank you to Ms Rounsevell and Mrs Noble for making this trip happen and for putting their blood, sweat and tears into our ensembles in order to make us perform to our best potential. Also, thank you to all of our instrumental and vocal teachers, in particular Robyn Habel, for being our biggest and most enthusiastic supporters.
Lydia S
Year 12 Band Captain (Stage Band)
I thoroughly enjoyed my last time competing at Generations in Jazz and couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s accomplishments. From rehearsals at music camp, lunchtime, before school and weekends, everyone displayed a high level of commitment and dedication. Enchanté delivered an outstanding performance, earning us recognition and praise from the adjudicators Darren Percival and Nick Begby. A special thanks to Ms Rounsevell, Mrs Noble, Erin McKellar and Robyn Habel. Without them, our stellar results would not have been possible. I am very grateful to have received the opportunity to participate in such a unique jazz festival and hope Saints’ success continues to flourish.
Grace C
Year 12 Chorister (Enchanté)
For this year’s Generation In Jazz, girls in our school had worked really hard in order to prepare for this competition, using time at music camp, every regular school day rehearsal as well as some Sunday rehearsals, showing their full commitment and enthusiasm. After our remarkable performance in Division 2, we have earned high recognition and accomplishment from the adjudicator Darren Percival and massive cheers from our audience, including schools that were also competing in the division. As my last GIJ before I graduate, I truly experienced the joy of jazz music and cherished the great opportunity to collaborate with my vocal ensemble, Enchanté to achieve this great result.
Nancy H
Year 12 Chorister (Enchanté)
More news from St Peter's Girls....
Our girls were truly on-song at the prestigious Generations in Jazz festival in Mount Gambier last weekend, taking out a swag of awards in a competition involving about 4700 students from schools around the nation. Our Vocal Quintet was crowned best small vocal ensemble in the highest division, one of the top three categories of the event. Our other vocal group was named best large ensemble in Division 2. Our Stage Band also impressed the crowds and four of our girls scored individual honours. We thank the girls for their wonderful work and leadership; the positive approach and dedication they have all modelled is one of the main factors in our success.
Check out the video below to see the girls in action live on ABC Radio Adelaide!
Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music
Every single Stage Band, Enchanté and Vocal Quintet student should be so proud of what they achieved. Looking back on the hours of note bashing, choreography, workshops and working on fine details, I can honestly say every minute was worth it. I am so grateful to the school for entering Saints Girls into this competition every year and for enabling me to be a part of it. This year, the Quintet had the privilege of participating in a workshop with Sally Cameron. This was a fantastic opportunity to work with an amazing vocalist who challenged us to think about different approaches to our sound as a small ensemble.
For me, the most exciting moment of the entire weekend was when several girls were acknowledged with individual awards. Izzy Norman’s powerful performance of ‘Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child’ won her the Division 2 best vocalist award, an outstanding achievement! I am very grateful to have been given the same accolade, the Ron Denning Award, for Division 1. Being able to walk up on the stage in front of almost 5000 people and receive such an honour was very moving and I’d like to thank Erin McKellar who helped me reach that point.
For all the girls who think they can’t sing, who think that their goal is too high or believe the old ‘I just don’t have the brain’ – well, I never thought I could sing jazz! This competition is an incredible opportunity to network, develop as a musician, enjoy the hype of performing and explore the genre of jazz, and while I am sad that this was my last one, I am thrilled that I and the other Year 12s left with a bang. Well done girls!
Sarah Brownridge
Music Captain, Year 12 Chorister/Pianist (Vocal Quintet, Enchanté, Stage Band)
I cannot express how thrilled and grateful I am for our success at my final Generations in Jazz and for being given the opportunity to participate. GIJ isn’t just a chance to perform, it’s also an opportunity to learn more about jazz and meet like-minded individuals who inspire you to achieve your goals. There is no doubt that the performances we gave on the day were some of, if not, the best we have done and this is attributable to the dedication of the girls and our music tutors. From Friday evening rehearsals for Stage Band to the infamous Sunday morning rehearsals for Enchanté, the commitment of these girls is a credit to Saints and the staff. I would especially like to thank our Stage Band Director Ms Rounsevell, Enchanté Director Mrs Noble and Robyn Habel for their endless support and encouragement. Every GIJ teaches you new things that don’t only develop you as an artist, but help you grow an even bigger appreciation of music. Generations truly is a life-changing experience.
Sophie S
Year 12 Chorister, Tenor Saxophone (Enchanté and Stage Band)
I have been to Generations in Jazz for six years in a row and each time has sent something new and exciting my way. Over the years, I have particularly enjoyed the experience of being surrounded by so many like-minded people in a place where music is embraced wholeheartedly. Everyone who travels to GIJ aims to come out of the experience having developed skills as musicians. I would like to congratulate Antonia Kirsten-Parsch (Baritone Saxophone) and Ellen Zhang (Trumpet) for getting into the Division 3 Superband comprising the best musicians in the whole division – an amazing feat that highlights the talent we have at Saints Girls. When we put all of our individual talents together, we get something that is truly incredible. Enchanté’s rendition of ‘Sometimes I Feel like a Motherless Child’ reduced the audience to tears, while Stage Band had the whole crowd bopping along to their music. To have Saints Girls dominate such a prestigious competition is phenomenal and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. Thank you to Ms Rounsevell and Mrs Noble for making this trip happen and for putting their blood, sweat and tears into our ensembles in order to make us perform to our best potential. Also, thank you to all of our instrumental and vocal teachers, in particular Robyn Habel, for being our biggest and most enthusiastic supporters.
Lydia S
Year 12 Band Captain (Stage Band)
I thoroughly enjoyed my last time competing at Generations in Jazz and couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s accomplishments. From rehearsals at music camp, lunchtime, before school and weekends, everyone displayed a high level of commitment and dedication. Enchanté delivered an outstanding performance, earning us recognition and praise from the adjudicators Darren Percival and Nick Begby. A special thanks to Ms Rounsevell, Mrs Noble, Erin McKellar and Robyn Habel. Without them, our stellar results would not have been possible. I am very grateful to have received the opportunity to participate in such a unique jazz festival and hope Saints’ success continues to flourish.
Grace C
Year 12 Chorister (Enchanté)
For this year’s Generation In Jazz, girls in our school had worked really hard in order to prepare for this competition, using time at music camp, every regular school day rehearsal as well as some Sunday rehearsals, showing their full commitment and enthusiasm. After our remarkable performance in Division 2, we have earned high recognition and accomplishment from the adjudicator Darren Percival and massive cheers from our audience, including schools that were also competing in the division. As my last GIJ before I graduate, I truly experienced the joy of jazz music and cherished the great opportunity to collaborate with my vocal ensemble, Enchanté to achieve this great result.
Nancy H
Year 12 Chorister (Enchanté)