Extra Curricular: 'Frontline' Jazz Band

As a music educator and musician I have a strong interest in the jazz idiom and have had the opportunity to direct student ensembles. My special interest was the small ensemble, a swing band type of mix with saxophones and brass instruments included as student expertise became available.
The band 'Frontline' was created at Eltham College and performed at concerts, in the community and on tour with other bands from the school over a number of years. The student musicians were a select group who had an interest in learning to read charts and also learning to improvise. It was the development of theoretical knowledge of jazz and the ability to improvise that was the greatest challenge for students (and teachers!).

'Bands do College Proud'
Article in the Diamond Valley News about 'Frontline' and other award winning bands from Eltham College. The picture shows the band members with myself grouped around a sculpture in the school grounds. (Click on the image to see an enlarged view).

Letter of thank you from the Hon. Peter Staples
'Frontline' were sometimes invited to perform at community functions. In this case we performed for the local federal member of parliament. (Click on the image to see an enlarged view).

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