Wakatipu High School musicians hit the high notes at a recent youth jazz festival in Blenheim.

Celebrating its 21st year, the Southern Jam Youth Festival attracted 200 students participating in 19 bands from 12 different schools,  August 5-8.

During the event, students performed at various public venues in Marlborough, attended masterclasses with industry professionals and competed in the main events, including the Finale Gala Concert at the Whitehaven Theatre.

WHS arts director Alison Price says the school’s big band, Best Served Chilled, picked up a gold award and was runner-up in the big band, while the school’s combo won a silver award and Haru Kuroe, 17, was named best student band leader.

Four students were also selected to play in the prestigious All Stars Band — Kelsey Strudwicke, 17, (alto sax 2), Anna Argyle, 16, (trombone 2), Louis Buchanan, 18, (keys) and Haru (bass).

Price says she’s “incredibly proud” of the students’ hard work, dedication and “phenomenal talent” and is grateful to everyone who supported the bands to make the trip possible.

Meanwhile, WHS band Littles Road — comprising Neve Cruikshank and Tallulah Penetito, both 18, and Sasha Winter, 17 — received a highly commended in the recent Smokefreerockquest, which puts them in the top 11, nationally and Leila Franklin, 18, made it into the top 15 in the solo/duo category.

Price notes this year there were over 1000 entrants from across the country, “so these are great results”.

— TRACEY ROXBURGH