Dear Generations in Jazz friends,

What an amazing time we had this year! The launch of the Vocal Ensemble Award was a chance to hear the singers amongst you in a group setting for the first time - and the response was fabulous. We’ve found a few aspects that can be ‘tweaked’ to improve this part of the weekend but on the whole I’m thrilled with how this went and I can’t wait to hear what next year brings from our jazz vocalists.

Of course the showstopper for 2011 was the fact that legendary composer, performer and big band leader Gordon Goodwin joined us all the way from the USA. It was a real coup for Generations to have this wonderful man in Australia for the first time and we are thrilled that he has decided to join us again in 2012.

Speaking of showstoppers - how about that performance from the GIJ Academy band? To see them marching through the pavilion playing ‘Hey Jude’ with Ed Wilson (while all of you went crazy) was a treat I won’t forget in a hurry. Positions in the Academy have filled up rather quickly for next year, so if you have an idea that you’d like to be a part of this amazing educational opportunity for 2013, please get your applications in early – as usual all the details will available at the Generations weekend or on the website.

I can’t imagine that I will have a better time next year but going on past experience – that’s exactly what’s going to happen!

See you at the Mount!

James Morrison