21st September 2018
As a member of the Bream Guitar Quartet, Segovia Guitar Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, Jazz Band, Big Band, and Forever Young support band, it is fair to say that music is in Nelson Beks’ blood.
Nelson is currently in Year 12 and plans on auditioning for the Jazz and Improvisation course at the Victorian College of the Arts next year as well as continuing to play as a classical guitarist.
Nelson will play at the forthcoming Twilight Jazz event at Girton Grammar School on 12th October, at which Australian Jazz-Pop icon, Monique diMattina will perform.
Nelson says that he enjoys the spontaneity of jazz music and the energetic influence of the other players around him.
“I played at the Twilight Jazz event last year and the range and quality of music was fantastic.
“My favourite musician at the moment is Jerry Garcia from the Grateful Dead. I love how he structures his extended solos and leads the band in all sorts of unexpected directions,” he said.
Nelson says that all of his music teachers at Girton have been great.
“My teachers have always sent me in the right direction, but even teachers that don’t have me for lessons or classes have been very supportive and give great feedback.
“Girton has ensembles for most classical and swing music and they encourage the formation of contemporary groups with the year 9-10 classroom ensembles,” he said.
Tickets for the Twilight Jazz event on Friday 12th October are $15 and are available at trybooking.com/XRMH.
Pictured below: Nelson Becks on Double Bass at the 2017 Twilight Jazz event
