The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) is offering young jazz composers paid, professional development opportunities to develop new works and enhance writing and conducting skills.

Through its unique Composer-in-Residence programs, WAYJO annually supports two young, emerging composers to develop new works for large jazz ensemble, offering both generous commission fees and artistic mentorship. Such opportunities are rarely offered in Australia.

The programs are run under the guidance of WAYJO’s Artistic Director, Dr Mace Francis (winner – APRA/AMCOS Jazz Work of the Year and international Scrivere in Jazz prize; finalist – Freedman Jazz Fellowship; nominee – Jazz ‘Bell’ Awards).

COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE is open to any jazz composer aged 30 years or younger (as at 1st January 2019), residing in Australia. $5,000 is offered to develop three new, original compositions. Flights and accommodation included (unless a resident of the Perth metropolitan area).

ASSOCIATE COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE is open to any jazz composer aged 21 years or younger (as at 1st January 2019), residing in Western Australia. $2,000 is offered the Associate to develop two new, original compositions.

Both positions offer professional advice and mentoring, opportunities to rehearse and perform with WAYJO’s premier 18-piece big band, and an opportunity to premier the works at the 2019 King St Corner Pocket Jazz Festival.

This program is open to all Australian composers (citizens and permanent residents). Successful applicants will be required to compose the works (each six to eight minutes in duration) by Monday 3 June 2019, for performance by the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Wednesday Night Orchestra.

Applications open Friday 1 February, 2019 and close Friday 1 March, 2019 at 5.00pm AWST. No extensions will be offered or late applications accepted. Submission of the Application Form, plus up to 3 original composition scores and recordings, are required before the closing date. Successful applicants will be notified by Fri 15 March, 2019.

For more information, visit wayjo.com/education/emerging-composers

Contacts:

Justine Thornley, WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950

Mace Francis, WAYJO Artistic Director
mace.francis@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950