One of the goals of a music educator is to assist students in finding confidence in solo performance. Playing in an ensemble affords a level of safety as you are surrounded by peers and performing collaboratively. Performing as a soloist leaves you much more exposed and is a skill that can take time to develop. Nerves are all part of it and perfectly okay – the trick is knowing how best to control them!
Jazz in the Quad is an event that sees many of our students ‘soloing’ for the first time. Contrary to a written piece of music that might be performed in an exam, soloing in a jazz context is improvisational – the player is essentially making it up on the spot. For many students, this can seem quite intimidating, but this event is absolutely a safe space for them to give it a go. Jazz in the Quad 2025 was a fabulous evening of music featuring our youngest to our most experience ‘jazzers’. Jamie Holmes (2023) was a featured guest, performing his own music and demonstrating the fantastic work he has been undertaking at the Victorian College of the Arts.
As always, we farewelled our Year 12 students who performed with the Big Band for the final time. We appreciate the commitment they have made to the group, and the excellent leadership they have shown within the music department.
Thank you to the ensemble directors, Friends of Carey Music and all of our wonderful families for supporting this event.
Sally Davis
Head of Performing Arts
