2026 National Youth Jazz Competition Big Band
Announcing our 2026 NYJC Big Band!
We were super excited to see how many students auditioned for a place in the 2026 NYJC Big Band. We received 92 registrations to audition from 35 secondary schools across Aotearoa.
Many thanks to our wonderful NYJC Big Band Director, Paul Norman, who has managed auditions and selection for the 2026 Big Band.
This year’s Big Band programme will include a selection of compositions by Gordon Goodwin – a tribute to him as he has recently passed away.
Congratulations to the students who made the final selection. We can’t wait to hear you play!
2026 NYJC BIG BAND
| CHAIR | NAME | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|
| Alto 1/2 | Jaden Lee | St Kentigern College |
| Alto 1/2 | Reiss Fatani | Burnside High School |
| Tenor 1/2 | Alex Gibson | Burnside High School |
| Tenor 1/2 | Abilio Fernandes | St Patricks College, Wellington |
| Baritone | Aardash Roy | Burnside High School |
| Trumpet 1 | Logan Topp | Pukekohe HS |
| Trumpet 1 | Aidan Jobe | Hamilton Boys High School |
| Trumpet 2 | Ollie Larson | Tauranga Boys' College |
| Trumpet 3 | Arthur Thomson | Bethlehem College |
| Trumpet 4 | Max Tay-Morrison | Sancta Maria College |
| Trumpet 4 | Matthew Hermitte | Pukekohe high school |
| Trombone 1 | Xavier Churchouse | Tauranga Boys College |
| Trombone 2 | Sasha Whitlock | St Cuthbert's College |
| Trombone 3 | Oliver McKay | Pukekohe HS |
| Trombone 3 | Felix Holdaway | Palmerston North Boys High |
| Bass Trombone | Simon Gillies | Western Heights High School |
| Piano | Ben Viljoen | Palmerston North BHS |
| Guitar | Hunter Davis | Cambridge HS |
| Bass | Rikipapaki Reedy | Gisborne Boys High School |
| Drums | Mason Johnstone | Hamilton Boys HS |
| Vocals | Caitlin Lewis | Cambridge HS |
There will be two rehearsals held during the Competition. The Monday 30 March 5.30-7pm rehearsal will be on the Addison Stage and Tuesday 31 March 5.30-7pm rehearsal will be in the Big Band warm-up room. |