Award encourages students to "get swingin'"

December 05, 2007

The Armidale Jazz Club has joined forces with the University of New England to encourage a new generation to "get swingin'".

Each year from 2008 on, an exceptional second-year music student at UNE will receive a year-long membership to the Armidale Jazz Club entitling them to attend all of the club's events and concerts free of charge.

The inaugural recipient of the award is Cassie Hausler, a 20-year old drummer and Earle Page College resident. Ms Hausler, who performs regularly with the UNE Stage Band, said she enjoyed playing jazz, although she was a fan of all kinds of music.

"I'm thrilled to get this award," she said. "I love live music, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the jazz club has to offer."

The Armidale Jazz Club was formed in the late 1980s, around the time the Australian National Jazz Convention took place in Armidale. Since then, volunteers have promoted one live jazz gig per month, "for the sheer love of music", according to club president Kellie Leech.

Rather than musicians, the club is composed of jazz enthusiasts and afficianados. Over the years, it has brought many famous acts to Armidale, including Grammy and ARIA award winners. Most recently, audiences enjoyed the jazz saxaphone of former Armidale student Willow Neilson and his quartet at Booloominbah. Also popular was the Mark Isaacs Resurgence Band, including James Muller on guitar.

Local sensations Jazz Pump will also play at Booloominbah in early February.

Ms Leech thanked members of the UNE Community who have supported the Jazz Club throughout the years, and extended a warm welcome to all newcomers who would like to attend in 2008.

Posted by Leon Braun at December 5, 2007 02:43 PM