Next Generation can blow with the best

June 13 2012

James Morrison is a name synonymous with the Australian jazz music industry and he is about to lend his expertise to Creative Generation - State Schools Onstage.

This year a select group of state school students have been given the opportunity to learn from the master himself as part of the eighth annual youth performing arts event.

Not only students will benefit, with Morrison presenting a free big band workshop for teachers at Cleveland District State High School from noon-1pm on Friday 22 June. Registrations, for Department of Education, Training and Employment staff only via OnePortal, close at 5pm on 18 June.

The student group nominated and were accepted to perform alongside Morrison as part of The James Morrison Creative Generation Big Band.

They will attend a workshop on 21 and 22 June during which Morrison will help them sharpen their big band performance skills.

Students will travel from locations across Queensland including Toowoomba and Stanthorpe. The workshop is the only time the students will get to practise with Morrison before show week.

As artistic director of the 2013 Queensland Music Festival, James Morrison has a passion for Queenslanders making music and is an advocate of jazz and music education. He says the Big Band is a great opportunity for him to educate the next creative generation.

'Big band is my favourite kind of jazz, there's nothing like the feeling of swinging with an ensemble of this size. The students chosen have shown some amazing talent and the workshops will be an opportunity for me to pass on the knowledge and experience I've gained throughout my career,' he said.

'The James Morrison Creative Generation Big Band is something not to be missed. We're gathering the best musicians from state schools across the state and we'll be working together to make some great music. We're going to blow the roof off.'

Creative Generation - State Schools Onstageperformances will be staged at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 July 2012.

Tickets are on sale for $45 adult and $29 for concession and children (aged two to 14 years). Visit the Ticketek website or phone 132 849. A schools preview for school groups will be held on Friday 20 July 2012 with tickets half price.

For more information, visit the Creative Generation website.