Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Generations in Jazz Festival Start on Friday?
Generations in Jazz officially commences on Friday afternoon with the Welcome Dinner commencing at 5.00pm followed by the Welcome Concert at 7.00pm.
This concert concludes at approx. 8.30 pm so that schools can make their way back to their accommodation.
A number of schools will travel throughout the day on Friday arriving in Mount Gambier in the early afternoon to settle into accommodation, tour the area and get a quick rehearsal in before making their way to the site for the evening events.
Schools that wish to arrive early Friday morning are invited to conduct band rehearsals at various locations around Mount Gambier in preparation for the Saturday’s competition or participate in the Jazz at the Corner.
Mount Gambier loves to embrace the students and will welcome the opportunity. Should you wish to find a performance venue, school, hall or aged care facility to perform to, please get in contact with us and we will be happy to provide these details to you.
What time does the Generations in Jazz Festival conclude on Sunday?
Sunday concludes at approximately 12.30pm after the Finale and Awards Concert. Lunch will be available at the conclusion of the concert and is a very quick walk-through barbecue. Some schools do leave earlier on Sunday depending on the distance and type of travel involved.
Where do I pick up my registration pack?
Registration packs which will include your weekend passes for students, supervisors and bus drivers as well as school sign for bus windows and dietary cards will waiting for you at your accommodation.
We ask that prior to your arrival on site all participants are wearing their festival ID which will assist our volunteers in ensuring we get you to the right locations. We also ask that your ID/passes are worn for the duration of the event.
Your school sign will also be waiting at your accommodation venue, and this is to be used as an easy reference point for your students to find your group.
Will there be storage available on site for instruments?
Yes, however, due to the number of participants we cannot provide storage for everyone. The storage we have on site is to be used as a brief storage option for those schools needing to quickly get to another division and who do not have time to get back to their buses in time.
All storage at our instrument storage containers will be at own risk however we will have some of our volunteers assisting with storage.
Note: Only instruments that are labeled with your school’s name, phone number and student name will be stored. You will also be given a card allocation, and this is to be shown when you return to collect your instruments.
It is advised that instruments and personal belongings not in use be stored in buses.
Instrument transport services will operate to assist with moving instruments to buses. A bus driver or supervisor must be available to accompany the instrument transport either for instruments being taken to/or returned from a performance venue.
How much spending money will I need during the festival?
During the Festival you will have the opportunity to buy a range of GIJ merchandise, Artists merchandise, etc.
We have additional food trucks that will be open over the festival and for extended trading on Saturday evening and located at the James Morrison Pavilion.
If I have questions during the weekend, are there volunteers I can ask?
(Will the volunteers be easily identifiable?) The Festival Team will be providing a highly visible volunteer team to help you out during the festival.
Also, the main office located near the James Morrison Pavilion will be staffed by the event team who can assist with any questions relating to any aspect of the event.
The Info Hut window is for all general enquiries. We will also have a Lost Property window for those looking for a lost item or wanting to hand in an item.
Where can I go if I am sick or need First-Aid assistance during the weekend?
There is a clearly marked First Aid tent as well as a number First Aid staff stationed onsite. Please refer to the map provided. Should you require First Aid assistance and cannot get to the First Aid site we ask you that you speak with a volunteer who will relay this information to the site office and assistance will be activated.
Please ensure your students are properly hydrated throughout the weekend as dehydration can lead to a range of health issues such as headaches, dizziness and fatigue.
Please Note: It is encouraged that school also bring extra water and medication for students as First Aid staff will be unable to provide any medication unless in a medical emergency. Panadol and asthma medication will not be issued to any students without the consent of supervising teaching staff.
Supervising staff are reminded to bring all medication requirements and consent forms to the festival site for students and not left on buses or at accommodation venues. (Carry them with you.)
Is there a dress code for performances?
Generations in Jazz encourage all schools to set a neat and tidy dress code for their students. Some stage bands and vocal ensembles choose to reveal their fashion style for their performances, and some wear their weekday uniform.
Nighttime temperatures may drop below zero and daytime not much warmer. All venues are indoors but you will need warm clothing, weatherproof jacket, hat, gloves and waterproof footwear or boots that are appropriate for getting between venues.
Where is Lost Property?
If you find or lose something, please go to the Festival Office near the James Morrison Pavilion and one of our dedicated administration volunteers will be able to assist.
Quiet Spaces?
If students are feeling overwhelmed or just need a moment to reset, there are some spaces available to you. On Saturday, Headspace will have counselors on hand to provide support and a listening ear, so don’t hesitate to stop by if you need to talk, in the food court near the jam stage. If you’re seeking a calming space, the sensory tent next to First Aid (near the Big Top) is a perfect spot to relax and unwind. Alternatively, the Apple Farm offers a peaceful environment to take some time out and recharge. These options are here to ensure the students well-being, so make the most of them if you need.
Can I make alterations to the Set Piece for Generations in Jazz?
The short answer is no. Sections cannot be cut, edited, or changed. Only in Div 4+ (mixed Instrumentation) are you allowed to make major changes to the test piece as far as instrumentation.
Subtle instrumentation variations are allowed (see SBA rules and guidelines) in all other Divisions, but only within the written guidelines.
However, exaggeration of marked dynamics (within stylistic/musical context) and additional dynamics are encouraged. Alterations/cuts/edits to your ballad and own choice are not encouraged but are accepted.
For additional clarification, please get in touch with Generations in Jazz at: admin@generationsinjazz.com.au
What kind of program should we be presenting at Festival?
Each band should be presenting a varied program across their three charts. The Set Piece, and performance of a ballad (of your choice) are compulsory. If the test piece is a swing chart, playing a chart with a straight eighth note rhythmic feel (Latin, funk, contemporary straight 8ths, etc.) as your own choice is a good idea.
If the test piece is a straight eighth note rhythmic feel (Latin, funk, etc.), you must play a swing chart as your own choice selection.
Swing rhythmic style must be demonstrated predominantly in one chart in each band’s performance.
If the test piece is a swing chart and you would like to perform another swing piece as your own choice, ideally you would select a chart of a different tempo to the test piece. For example, if the test piece is a medium-tempo swing chart, ideally, your own choice selection would be a faster tempo.
Alternatively, should the test piece be a fast-swing tempo, select a medium tempo but not a ballad tempo.
Note: Marks will not be deducted for playing more than one swing chart.
We have an unusual instrumentation/line-up. Which division should we perform in? Can we perform in higher divisions with reduced / altered line-ups?
We are a small ensemble/jazz combo and play small group material, not big band, can we compete at Generations in Jazz?
The competition is divided into three skill-based divisions:
Division 1: For more experienced student ensembles, this division features more challenging repertoire and a higher level of improvisational and ensemble skill
Division 2: For developing combos demonstrating solid fundamentals, growing confidence, and emerging stylistic understanding.
Division 3: For less experienced ensembles focusing on foundational skills, ensemble cohesion, and early improvisation techniques
Please refer to the GIJ Competition Rules Sept 2025 for more details.
Can students perform in multiple big bands in varying divisions?
The only permissible interchange of band members between divisions is from a lower division band to a higher division band. An exception to this rule (meaning a member from a higher division band allowed to perform in a lower division band) may be made if approval is reached by a majority of Music Directors involved in the participating division.
Students can only be registered/entered with one school, community band or combined school group.
One of my band members has fallen ill / had to pull out at the last minute. What can I do?
In the emergency case of illness, a student from another band at the school (higher or lower) may perform in the missing student’s place.
The Band’s Director is responsible for informing Generations in Jazz of this, as the fill-in student will not be eligible for Superband or Future finalist selection or any other awards in that Division.
Can a staff member fill in for a sick/absent student?
If your school only has one band performing and does not have another student able to fill in, a teacher or staff member may fill in.
This will result in the school not being eligible for a place or ranking in their division.
The band will still perform the required adjudication pieces and receive feedback from the adjudicator.
Can I have a vocalist sing with my band in the Stage Band Award or Jazz Combo?
Yes, you can have a solo vocalist feature on either your ballad or own choice.
All Stage Band Award venues will have two (2) solo microphones on stage. Your vocalist should use one of these.
I have two guitarists. Will amps be provided for both?
For each Division, Generations in Jazz will supply a backline for a standard big band rhythm section (drumkit, bass amp, guitar amp, piano or keyboard, vibes).
Should you require additional amps/gear, each school must provide these.
Please Note: Transporting individual, and school gear on and off stage is your responsibility and must fit into your allocated stage time.
Can my drummer use their own snare and cymbals?
Yes, but it is the drummer or the band director’s responsibility to replace the house snare and cymbals to their original state at the end of your performance.
Please Note: This all must fit into your allocated stage time.
Who do I contact if I have a question that isn't on the FAQ or Competition Rules
Schools and individuals are welcome to contact admin@generationsinjazz.com.au or 08 7735 0303 for any queries relating to the Stage Band Awards.
Can we have common members in two different vocal ensembles?
The only permissible interchange of band members between divisions is from a lower division band to a higher division band. An exception to this rule (meaning a member from a higher division band allowed to perform in a lower division band) may be made if approval is reached by a majority of Music Directors involved in the participating division.
Students can only be registered/entered with one school, community band or combined school group.
I'm not sure our own choice piece is jazzy enough. Who makes this decision?
Can we use a backing track accompaniment for our own choice piece?
Yes, unless your divisions requires the own choice piece to be a cappella.
You will need to upload your backing track to the portal before your performance, so the tracks can be lined up ready to go on the day.
Will our performance be amplified?
Yes. In keeping with the contemporary nature of the Jazz vocal ensemble style, and often equally to ensure your Ensemble can be heard, all Vocal Ensemble performances will be amplified. And a sound technician will provided in each venue to support the adjudicator.
Do we have a choice over how to position our Ensemble for performance?
Yes. During your allocated stage time, you can choose to move risers, mics and foldback monitors to create the positioning your ensemble prefers, note this is part of your allocated performance time.
Is choreography permitted?
Yes, but your adjudication will not reflect this unless the choreography proves detrimental to the musical performance. When in doubt, leave it out.
Are performers permitted to read sheet music during the performance?
Yes, if necessary; however, remember that a significant portion of your adjudication will focus on conveying the lyric/message and your connection with the audience.
Does our conductor/director have to be on stage with us?
No. If you feel your performance would be improved by having your Director direct you during the performance, you may wish to choose this option.
Will our performance be recorded?
The adjudicator records each school’s performance on a Zoom device, and verbal comments are given throughout.
Each school is encouraged to record and/or video their performance for a comment-free recording. Generations in Jazz is working towards video all performances.
Who do I contact if I have a question that isn't on the FAQ or Competition Rules
Schools and individuals are welcome to contact admin@generationsinjazz.com.au or 08 7735 0303 for any queries relating to the Stage Band Awards.