2025 National Youth Jazz Competition Big Band
Announcing our 2025 NYJC Big Band!
We were super excited to see how many students auditioned for a place in the inaugural NYJC Big Band. We received 68 registrations to audition and 42 actual video auditions. Our selection panel have chosen well – it will be a stunning band!
Proudly presenting the NYJC Big Band 2025:
| CHAIR | NAME | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|
| Alto 1 | Jaden Lee | St Kentigern College |
| Alto 2 | Mason Bailey | New Plymouth BHS |
| Tenor 1 | Ted Coop | King's College |
| Tenor 2 | Joshua Kerr | Wellington College |
| Baritone | Marcus Louie | Tauranga Boys' College |
| Trumpet 1/3 | Logan Topp | Pukekohe HS |
| Trumpet 1/3 | Thomas Priest | Hamilton Boys HS |
| Trumpet 2 | Oliver Farquharson | Tauranga Boys' College |
| Trumpet 4 | Arthur Thomson | Bethlehem College |
| Trumpet 5 | Il'ya Allen | Orewa College |
| Trombone 1 | Simon Gillies | Western Heights |
| Trombone 2 | Matt Donaldson | Westlake Boys HS |
| Trombone 3 | Oliver McKay | Pukekohe HS |
| Bass Trombone | Alex Lord | Hamilton Boys HS |
| Piano | Ben Viljoen | Palmerston North BHS |
| Guitar | Hunter Davis | Cambridge HS |
| Bass | Blenner-Hassett | Wellington College |
| Drums | Mason Johnstone | Hamilton Boys HS |
| Vocals | Grace Vivian | Cambridge HS |
The Musical Director Paul Norman was impressed with the remarkable talent that emerged from the national auditions.
“These dedicated young musicians will gain an unforgettable experience rehearsing and performing more challenging material with other outstanding players from across Aotearoa New Zealand. Their passion and talent will be on display in their performance at the 2025 National Youth Jazz Competition.”
The NYJC Big Band 2025 will perform at the Addison Theatre on Wednesday 9 April 4.45pm prior to the Prizegiving