The Southern Jam Youth Festival hit a milestone in 2026, celebrating its 21st anniversary with its biggest energy yet. From August 5–8, 200 young musicians from 12 schools and 19 bands descended on Marlborough for four days of music, mentorship and friendly competition.

Students didn't just rehearse — they performed live across Marlborough's public venues, soaked up wisdom from industry professionals in hands-on masterclasses, and pushed their skills to the limit in the festival's marquee events, capped off by the Finale Gala Concert at the iconic Whitehaven Theatre.

And WHS had plenty to celebrate. According to arts director Alison Price, the school's big band, Best Served Chilled, walked away with a gold award and the runner-up title in the big band category, while the school's combo claimed silver. Adding to the school's haul, 17-year-old Haru Kuroe was crowned best student band leader — a standout individual honour in a stacked field.

The talent didn't stop there. Four WHS students earned coveted spots in the festival's All Stars Band, a true mark of distinction:

• Kelsey Strudwicke, 17 (alto sax)
• Anna Argyle, 16 (trombone)
• Louis Buchanan, 18 (keys)
• Haru Kuroe (bass)

A phenomenal showing for WHS, and a fitting way to mark 21 years of Southern Jam.