The top prize at the Port of Tauranga Youth Jazz Competition was won by the Augmented Trio, an Auckland-based quartet from the New Zealand School of Music.

More than 200 young musicians gathered in Tauranga to showcase their talents in front of three judges led by Dr Roger Fox.

The top prize at the Port of Tauranga Youth Jazz Competition was won by the Augmented Trio, an Auckland-based quartet from the New Zealand School of Music.

More than 200 young musicians gathered in Tauranga to showcase their talents in front of three judges led by Dr Roger Fox.

“There were many magical moments during the 2 day competition and we applaud the talent that was displayed by many competing musicians” says Dr Fox. “Augmented Trio was outstanding as a band and Alex Churchill amazed us with his skill.”

Saxophonist Alex Churchill, the leader of the Augmented Trio, also won the award for Most Outstanding Young Musician.

Another stand-out competitor was Matt Steele from Hutt Valley High School who walked away with three awards for Best Original Composition, Most Outstanding Pianist and the Award for Innovation.

The competition was tight in the race for the highly sought after prize for the country’s Best Big Band which was won by the Wellington College Big Band.

Port of Tauranga Chief Executive Mark Cairns was in awe of the size and talent of the competitor field, “Supporting youth is a key element in our philosophy of supporting our community. We are proud to be the sponsor of this competition which is an outstanding event for New Zealand’s young jazz musicians.”

The Port of Tauranga Youth Jazz Competition is part of the National Jazz Festival and during its 32 year long history has seen the discovery of some of the country’s best jazz musicians including saxophonist Nathan Haines, vocalist Hollie Smith and Jazz Tui award winner pianist Charmaine Ford.

2009 Winners

PORT OF TAURANGA BEST OF FESTIVAL - Most Outstanding Jazz Band ($1,000)
Augmented Trio, New Zealand School of Music

NEW ORLEANS TROPHY - Best Big Band ($1,000)
Wellington College Big Band

NORMAN FAMILY TROPHY - Best Jazz Combo
Augmented Trio, New Zealand School of Music

GEORGE RAWIRI - Most Outstanding Young Musician
Alex Churchill, New Zealand School of Music

KEN MITCHELL TROPHY - Best Original Composition
Matt Steele, Hutt Valley High

RODGER FOX TROPHY - Most Outstanding Trombonist
Cameron Kidby, Pukekohe High School

DAVE FEEHAN TROPHY - Most Outstanding Vocalist (NOT AWARDED)

EDWINA THORNE TROPHY - Most Outstanding Trumpet or Flugel Player
Josh Crump

TOM BAYLISS TROPHY - Most Outstanding Clarinetist
Martin Brooks, Kerikeri High School

MAYERS MUSIC CENTRE TROPHY - Most Outstanding Guitarist
Matt Innes, Northcote College

BAY CITY MUSIC TROPHY - Most Outstanding Keyboard Player
Dylan Jennings, Wellington High School

P&S PENMAN TROPHY - Most Outstanding Bassist
Chris Tan, Northcote College

HILL/WILCOCK TROPHY - Most Outstanding Drummer
Miller Christensen-Yule Northcote College

BAKER/ALLEN TROPHY - Best Arrangement
Miller Christensen- Yule Northcote College

BILL HOFFMEISTER TROPHY - Most Outstanding Pianist
Matt Steele, Hutt Valley High 

YANAGISAWA TROPHY - Best Saxophonist
Peter Ruddell, St Kentigerns CollegeDENNIS HUGGARD TROPHY - Best First Year Performance Band
Palmerston North Boys High School  

ERROL CHRISTIANSEN TROPHY - Most Outstanding Flautist
(NOT AWARDED)

THE MASSEY UNIVERSITY AWARD - Best Secondary School Jazz Combo
Northcote College

DEREK JACOMBS - Award for Innovation
Matt Steele, Hutt Valley High