Generations in Jazz, The College Musical, Semester 1 VCE Recital Evening – the events keep rolling on in the Music Department and its only Week 5!
Early in Term 2, the Parade College Big Band travelled to Mount Gambier with Mr Watson, Mr Saragossi, and me to participate in the annual Generations in Jazz festival. This highly regarded event brings together talented young musicians from schools across Australia to perform, compete and celebrate their passion for jazz and big band music.
Following an outstanding result in 2025 where the band placed second in Division 4, students embraced a new challenge this year by stepping up to Division 3. Competing against dozens of schools and performing repertoire of a higher level of difficulty, the Big Band rose to the occasion with an impressive performance. The ensemble received strong scores and commendations across several performance categories, reflecting the hard work and dedication of all involved.
On Saturday night students were treated to the epic soul stylings of musical super group “Tower of Power,” who travelled all the way from Oakland California, performing especially for the students attending Generations in Jazz. This soul band has its beginnings in 1968, with many of its founding members still performing! They also offered workshops and specialist advice for our students – a truly memorable experience.
One of the highlights of the weekend each year is the highly anticipated Superband announcements, where outstanding individual musicians are recognised as the top performers on their instrument within each division.
A special congratulations goes to Year 11 Luca Caporale L07 on guitar, who was once again selected for the Division 3 Superband. This marks Luca’s second consecutive year receiving this prestigious recognition — an outstanding achievement and a testament to his dedication and musicianship.
Thank you to the staff for their time and support in making the experience possible, and congratulations to all students who represented the College with excellence, both on stage and throughout the weekend. We are incredibly proud of the way they performed and conducted themselves.
Parade College and Santa Maria have once again combined powers to produce a truly spectacular musical production for 2026, Beauty and The Beast. After a sold-out run of shows last week at Santa Maria in Northcote, anticipation and expectations were high – and the students did not disappoint. Costumes were spectacular, the music was wonderful and the set design really brought the show to life. We are incredibly proud of the students, staff, parents, and volunteers who were involved.
A massive thank you must be given to the production team at Santa Maria College who hosted the Musical this year. Thank you for accommodating our students and giving them the opportunity to shine on stage, particularly our Year 12s who have just completed their final production during their time at Parade!
Stay tuned for further updates in the next newsletter, including additional photos and student reports.
On Thursday 28 May at 6.30 pm in The Rivergum Theatre, the VCE Music class will host a Semester 1 concert. This event serves as an assessment event for the Year 11s and is an important marker for the Year 12s as they build and prepare their end of year recital programs. All are welcome to join us for an enjoyable evening of music making.
On Friday 29 May we will hold a special meeting for all instrumental and ensemble students at Parade in the Rivergum Theatre, where the expectations for being involved in the program will be made clear. As we launch into our Term 3 performance season, it will be a great opportunity for everyone to recommit their efforts to rehearsals and ensure we continue to have a fantastic year of music making.
Another friendly reminder to families that if a student is enrolled in instrumental lessons at Parade College, they must attend a weekly ensemble rehearsal. Rolls are kept and the rehearsals are published on SIMON. For students not attending rehearsal for valid reasons (committee meetings, excursions, illnesses), an email to the ensemble leader in advance if possible is best practice, or to music@parade.vic.edu.au
Please do not hesitate to contact the Music department via music@parade.vic.edu.au with any questions.
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