Jazz kids finally get break

Australia's leading trumpet player James Morrison will visit Killara High School to assist Concert Band 1 in their rehearsals for an upcoming tour to Hawaii.

The world renowned jazz multi-instrumentalist will be holding an afternoon worskshop with the students. He will also be giving a performance with his very own sextet featuring Emma Pask.

Margaret Holding has been organising Morrison's visit to Killara High and says the evening concert was organised "to help raise money for the Concert Band 1 who are going to Hawaii next March to compete in the Pacific Basin Music Festival."

With a total of 45 members in the group it will be no mean feat getting them over there, but with the help of James Morrison's talents not only will Concert Band 1 be skilled up to compete, but hopefully enough money will be raised to get all the students into the competition.

According to Holding "James Morrison has been supporting school music for quite a time, and is always more than willing to promote more young musicians following a path in the music industry." Therefore it is a logical step for Morrison to share the stage with Killara's very own budding big band.

The James Morrison Sextet is a New York-styled modern jazz group that features the vocal stylings of Sydney's Pask, who Morrison unearthed while performing at a similar school music event. Morrison was so impressed with Pask's voice that he immediately asked her to join his quartet on stage that very night. Not bad for a 16 year old student.

While there are no guarantees that Morrison will pluck any of the members of Killara High School's Concert Band 1, the evening is assured of being a musical treat. Featuring every musical ensemble from Killara High's music stable including string and brass bands, Morrison will play solo, with Concert Band 1 and the sextet.

Fortunately this event is open to the public. It all takes place on Wednesday 31 August and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets sales will help get Concert Band 1 over to Hawaii to dance a wukka-hi-ki.

For information phone 9417 1738.