2026 Jazz Showcase
St Kilda Road Campus recently treated audiences to a joyous night of jazz at MEMO Music Hall. More than a showcase of our incredible student musicians' talent, the evening was a milestone moment for Year 12 Jazz Leaders Martina and Aarav, who hosted the night and reflected on their journey through Wesley's music program.
For Martina, the music program will have a lifelong impact. ‘Performing in an ensemble teaches teamwork, trust and responsibility, while stepping forward for a solo takes courage and confidence. Those are skills that extend far beyond the music room and become part of who we are as people and leaders,’ she says.
It’s easy to see why students are so engaged with the jazz program, which has a proud 55-year history of nurturing outstanding musicians from the Hunters and Collectors’ Jack Howard (OW1976) to The Cat Empire’s Ollie McGill (OW1999).
‘Big Band has given me something I'm incredibly grateful for: an environment to grow in as a musician, not only alongside talented instrumentalists, but alongside a group of friends,’ Aarav explains.
After what he calculates to be ‘at least 600 hours’ rehearsing with the Big Band, Aarav understands that he gets out of the experience what he puts in. His advice for the next generation of musicians is to ‘develop rapport and friendships with your bandmates, put in the work and practice to make the music feel good for you, and you will have an incredibly rich experience. Most importantly, you will have grown, developed and enjoyed yourself in a way no other endeavour can inspire.’
Congratulations to everyone who performed at our Jazz Showcase – whether it was your first time on stage, or one of your last.
