National Big Band
CompositionAward 2027

In partnership with Generations in Jazz & the Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra, we are thrilled to announce the 2027 National Big Band Composition Awards!

Australia has an incredibly dynamic and internationally respected Big Band scene but opportunities for Jazz Composers to have their works professionally rehearsed, recorded and broadcast have become increasingly rare.

This exciting initiative has been created to foster and celebrate the next generation of Australian jazz composers. and provide further pathways and a national platform for both youth and emerging Jazz composers to be heard. The Awards also aim to nurture composers whose work may one day become part of the GIJ Stage Band Awards set pieces repertoire and further supporting fresh, innovative voices to shape the future of Australian Jazz

Through these awards, GIJ, AYJO & JCC continue their collective commitment to supporting excellence in jazz education, Australian Compositions, and performance of excellent Big Band music for generations to come

The 2027 NBBCA will consist of two divisions:- Division 1 (Emerging) and Division 2 (Youth)

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The Jazz Composers Co-op Big Band will will rehearse and record the shortlisted compositions. Shortlisted composers will receive feedback from both the judges and the Jazz Composers Co-op regarding their compositiion. These recordings will be further assessed and three finalists will be chosen to attend Generations in Jazz in May 2027 for the final stage of the awards.