Jazz Music

Australind Senior High School’s Jazz Music Specialist Program is designed for students who are passionate about music performance and committed to developing their musicianship within a highly successful school music program.

Jazz has long been recognised as one of the most effective foundations for developing strong musicians. Through jazz, students build advanced skills in rhythm, listening, improvisation and ensemble performance. These skills support musicians across jazz, classical and contemporary music styles.

Led by experienced music educators and performers, the program provides students with opportunities to rehearse, perform and grow as musicians within a supportive and highly active school music community.

Australind Senior High School is proud to be home to multiple State and National Band Championships, reflecting the strength and tradition of our music program. The program currently holds the record for the most consecutive national titles.

Students playing a wide range of instruments are encouraged to apply, including woodwind, brass, guitar, bass, percussion and piano.

Program Highlights

• Multiple State and National Band Championships
• Record holder for most consecutive national titles
• Active performance program including concerts, festivals and competitions
• Ensemble opportunities from Year 7 through to senior school

Why Choose the Jazz Program?

Students in the program have opportunities to:

• Develop advanced performance skills on their instrument
• Strengthen listening, improvisation and ensemble skills
• Work alongside other dedicated young musicians
• Perform regularly in concerts, festivals and competitions
• Participate in music camps, workshops and tours
• Develop confidence and leadership through performance

Jazz training provides a strong musical foundation that benefits students across classical, contemporary and modern music pathways.

Through regular performance and rehearsal experiences, students develop the confidence, discipline and collaborative skills that come from working as part of an ensemble.

Program Overview

Students in the Jazz Music Specialist Program participate in a range of performance and ensemble opportunities as part of their school program.

Ensembles may include:

• Fundamentals Band
• Jazz Guitar Ensemble
• Junior and Senior Jazz Bands
• Concert Bands

Students rehearse regularly and perform at school events, concerts and community performances throughout the year.

The program emphasises:

• Ensemble rehearsal and performance
• Musical listening and aural development
• Improvisation and musical creativity
• Performance confidence and stagecraft

Through these experiences, students build both technical skill and the collaborative skills required to perform effectively within an ensemble.

Pathways and Achievements

Australind Senior High School has a long tradition of excellence in music performance, with students regularly performing at festivals, competitions and community events.

Students in the program develop skills that support future pathways in music, including:

• Upper school music courses
• Further study at institutions such as WAAPA and UWA
• Ongoing performance opportunities within the broader music community

What We Look for in Students

Entry into the Jazz Music Specialist Program is selective.

We look for students who demonstrate:

• Commitment to learning their instrument
• Enthusiasm for music performance
• Willingness to practise and develop their skills
• Positive rehearsal habits and teamwork in ensembles
• Readiness to contribute to performances and represent the school

Students do not need previous jazz experience to apply. Students who currently learn classical or contemporary repertoire are encouraged to audition.

How to Apply for the Jazz Music Specialist Program

The Jazz Music Specialist Program is open to Year 7 to Year 10 students, including current Australind Senior High School students.

This program is open to students living in any school intake area.

Current Australind Senior High School students who are interested in joining the Jazz Music program are encouraged to speak with a member of the Music Teaching Team.

If you have any questions, please contact the school on Australind.SHS@education.wa.edu.au or (08) 9797 4400.

First round applications closed on Monday 22 June 2026.

Selection Process

Once applications have been received:

• Shortlisted students will be invited to attend a performance interview.
• Performance interviews will be held from late Term 2.

During the interview, students will:

• Perform one prepared piece of music on their instrument
• Speak with our friendly staff about their interest, motivation and enthusiasm for music

Further information about the audition process will be provided to families once applications have been received.

Offers will begin to be issued from early Term 3 and may continue later in the year as places become available.

Music Opportunities at Australind Senior High School

Students who are not part of the Jazz Music Specialist Program can still participate in music at Australind Senior High School.

Music is offered as a year-long elective from Year 7 to Year 10, where students learn and perform together in a class environment. Students have opportunities to play instruments such as guitar, bass, keyboard and drums, and no prior experience is required.

Students currently enrolled in Instrumental Music School Services (IMSS) can continue their instrumental lessons at Australind Senior High School, with opportunities to participate in school bands and ensembles. To learn more about IMSS please click here.

Australind Senior High School offers a vibrant music program where students of all experience levels can develop their skills, perform and enjoy making music together.