All That Jazz! A sensory, sparkling musical show

NBCS Director of Music, Claire Rowsell, says parents and community members were wowed by this year’s music showcase event, All That Jazz! “Last year we did a musical theatre evening that was a huge success. This year, we created a show, rather than a ‘school concert’, featuring jazz in many different forms.”

The idea was sparked when Ms Rowsell visited a New York jazz club as part of the school’s United Nations International School trip. She transformed the MPC venue into a jazz club vibe, with risers and catwalks, lighting and costumes, and performances happening where they were least expected.

Why jazz? “Every year I want to do something different,” she says. “It opens students up to new genres and extends their musicianship. Some students this year didn’t really know what jazz was, or that there are different types of jazz.”

Students worked hard to prepare. “We had performances from Year 12s, right down to Year 7s and 8s,” says Ms Rowsell. “The older ones led, but the younger ones rose to expectations, and they had to work hard for their place. My goal is that every student involved achieves the highest level that they can achieve, and I’m happy to say that they did.”

The program included a range of different jazz styles by soloists, the band, and ensembles. “All the performances were so different,” says Ms Rowsell. “If I had to pick a favourite, it would be the amazing version of Nothing Compares To You, with an insane guitar solo – and the jazz version of Wannabe by the Spice Girls.”