About

The Victorian All-State Jazz Championships are presented by Creative Director, Ross Irwin. Ross is a singer-songwriter, trumpeter and arranger/composer from Melbourne. In addition to his solo career, Ross has worked as a multi-instrumentalist with artists such as Megan Washington, Brooke Fraser, Magnolia and Tinpan Orange. Highly regarded in the Australian music industry, Ross has been involved with Australian bands The Cat Empire and The Bamboos, and his compositions and arrangements have been performed by countless big bands and orchestras. Ross is also co-writer, arranger and producer for bands and artists such as Lanu, Felix Reibl, The Cat Empire and The Bamboos.

Ross, along with some of Australia’s finest big band, vocal, and jazz educators, presented the second Victorian All-State Jazz Championships in May 2022. It was two vibrant days of vocal groups and big bands in the beautiful setting of St Leonard’s College in Brighton East, Melbourne.

It was an exciting weekend of music with competitive and non-competitive sections, awards for exceptional young improvisers, section players, singers, as well as all-star players. All winning ensembles were invited to perform at the gala concert alongside special guest performers in the magnificent Leonardian Centre at St Leonard’s College. A world-class, state of the art, acoustically designed concert space (featuring a handpicked Steinway) that will be home to many of the competition sections as well. 

Some of the country’s most exceptional jazz musicians were on board as adjudicators and clinicians, ensuring educators and students will have an outstanding educational experience, receiving encouragement and feedback of the highest quality to help improve scholastic jazz programs.

With world-class players, composers and educators leading the ASJ team, it was a fantastic experience for all students and teachers involved. 

We look forward to sharing information about the 2023 event in due course.