ASPIRING jazz musician Jack Quail is living his dream.
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Quail, originally from Woorndoo, grew up idolising Australian jazz star James Morrison.
After completing his VCE at Clarendon College in Ballarat last year, Quail has spent 2017 attending James Morrison College in Mount Gambier.
During that time, Quail has worked closely with Morrison, an experience that has fast tracked his development.
“I have learnt so much this year, it’s been amazing,” Quail said.
“It’s an incredible opportunity, to be able to work with someone I have always looked up.”
Quail, 18, will be joined by fellow James Morrison College students for a special show at The Loft in Warrnambool on Friday night.
Named Bird Brothers’ Big Band, the group will be an 18-piece jazz orchestra.
Also in the band will be Quail’s younger brother Harry, who is in year 11 at Clarendon College.
Quail said the students in the jazz orchestra will include players from across Australia including Perth, Sydney and Queensland.
There will also be an international flavour with one player hailing from the US.
The orchestra will play songs from jazz legends including Count Basie, Thad Jones and Buddy Rich.
The show at The Loft will be the orchestra’s debut and Quail is excited about the world-first performance.
“It should a lot of fun, we are all looking forward to it,” Quail said.
“It will be something a little bit different for Warrnambool. There are some really good musicians and we are confident it will be a great sound.”
As an accomplished trumpet, trombone and piano player, Quail will be a key part of the orchestra.
The show will be another chapter in Quail’s already impressive musical journey.
He began playing when he was in year 7 at Mortlake College and through school and private lessons, has continued to hone his skills.
“I love playing music, I practice a lot,” he said.
“It doesn’t feel like practice, it is something I want to do, something I enjoy.”