Burnside High’s jazz band has won the top award at the Young Jazz Band-it school music competitions.

More than 700 students entered the competition, either as bands or individuals, held at the New Zealand School of Music in Wellington.

Ten high school big bands contested the Essential NZ Jazz Band Competition finals, with Burnside winning the top prize, receiving $6,000 of musical equipment from Musicworks NZ, plus a recording and music video.

The NZ Jazz Composition Competition for the best jazz piece composed by a New Zealand school student or students and performed by a school jazz band, and with a $1,000 prize, went to William Kao from Burnside High School.

Kao (trombone) also won third prize in the NZ Jazz Improvisation Competition, receiving $250.

Rodger Fox, director of the Young Jazz Band-it Competitions, said, “It was both encouraging and inspiring hearing these young musicians perform, making great music together in a supportive environment.”

“A big shout-out to all the music teachers, band directors and family members who helped make it all possible,” Fox added.