A student jazz group from St Patrick’s College, Wellington has taken out a top honour at a national competition, earning praise from judges for their musical skill and potential.
The Blue Messengers, a four-piece combo, won a Gold award at the National Youth Jazz Competition in Tauranga, held earlier this week. The group was competing against 60 student bands from across New Zealand.
The band features Abilio Fernandes on alto saxophone and piano, Lorenzo di Maio on guitar, JC Historillo on drums, and Zach Breen on bass.
Judges commended the group’s strong debut at the competition, describing them as “a great band” who “started with a bang” in their first appearance.
They also praised the musicians’ individual commitment and cohesion as a group, noting their ability to stay rhythmically in sync and their progression toward a professional standard.
“The band is on the path to excellence. Keep it up, nothing but praise from us,” the judges said.
The achievement highlights the strength of the college’s music programme and the growing profile of student jazz in the Wellington region.
A recording of the band’s performance has been shared online, with The Blue Messengers appearing partway through the competition livestream.
