Blackburn High School
Paul HAMER (Box Hill) (10:04): Congratulations to Blackburn High School’s senior jazz orchestra band on their incredible achievement of being selected to perform at the recent Essentially Ellington high school jazz band competition and festival in New York. Essentially Ellington is one of the world’s most prestigious youth jazz events, and these outstanding students have made history as the first school band from the Southern Hemisphere to be invited to perform. Out of hundreds of applicants worldwide, Blackburn High School was one of only three non-US schools selected to complete in this prestigious competition. This achievement reflects the exceptional quality of Blackburn High School’s renowned music program and the dedication of its students and staff. I congratulate school principal Joanna Alexander, director of music Mr Jason Ziino and the jazz orchestra’s conductor Mr Andy O’Connell, as well as of course the 21 students who represented Australia with such distinction on this global stage. Their dedication, passion and hard work is simply amazing.
A special shout-out to the saxophone and trombone sections as well as Evan Khaw on drums, Ace Aure on the alto saxophone and Jasmine Richards on trombone, who all received competition awards. You are all wonderful role models and ambassadors for this country.