The Bairnsdale Secondary College Swing Band and newly formed band, No Lunch On Tuesdays, are looking forward to their next performance at the Nicholson Hotel as they fine-tune their repertoire to participate in the 39th Merimbula Jazz Festival held over the long weekend in June.

There will be two performances in the festival and four other gigs during the weekend, keeping both groups busy.

One of the highlights this year has been adding new vocal numbers, showcasing singers Tiahn Van Hoorn, Annie Rogers and Zara Steenholdt.

Band leader, Gerry Ciavarella, described the beginning of each year as being a challenge with the yearly loss of experienced players and the task of bringing the band back to a playing standard.

The band has been putting in extra rehearsals in preparation for the Merimbula festival.

Gerry is overwhelmed with the enthusiasm shown by all players at rehearsals and performances.

“We have added new players this year in Marni Mulcahy and Lucy Caddie on trumpet, Hayden Lee and Michael Squires on trombone, and Zoe Chapman and Jordan Van Dyk on saxophone,” Gerry said.

“All new players have settled in and are making great progress. Many new tunes have been added to the repertoire.

“The jazz festival is the highlight of the year for players the group has been attending for over 20 years.

“The feedback we receive from our audiences is overwhelming, they just love hearing those old big band classics.

“Many in the audience always comment on the enthusiasm shown by the band while on the stage. It’s great to see the many locals who make their way to Merimbula to support the band.”

The performance at the Nicholson Hotel will feature another group, Swing Central, formed by students in both the school’s swing band and senior concert band.

This group rehearses weekly and is excited in making its debut appearance on Friday night.

A fundraiser to support the band to attend the Merimbula Jazz Festival will be held at the Nicholson Hotel this Friday, May 31. The music starts at 7pm.

PICTURED: Bairnsdale Secondary College’s Swing Band and newly formed band, No Lunch on Tuesdays, will perform at Nicholson Hotel this Friday in preparation for the Merimbula Jazz Festival.