We are excited to announce our 2024 Composers in Residence, spotlighting three dynamic and innovative young musicians who are set to make their mark on the jazz scene. Each year, WAYJO offers promising jazz composers the rare opportunity to develop new works for a large ensemble, providing them with both artistic mentorship and generous commission fees.
So, without further ado, this year’s selected composers are Jackson Mack [SA], Frederick Johnston-Horstman [WA], and Aaron Caldwell [WA].
Under the guidance of WAYJO’s Artistic Director, Dr. Mace Francis, these composers will have the freedom to explore creative boundaries and contribute fresh, forward-thinking music to the big band repertoire.
Meet the Composers
JACKSON MACK
Adelaide-based drummer, composer and arranger, Jackson Mack is our 2024 National Composer in Residence. Known for his versatility, Jackson has performed with acclaimed artists such as Jazzmeia Horn and Barney McAll. As the leader of the Jackson Mack Big Band, his compositions are influenced by jazz legends like Thad Jones and Bill Holman.
Jackson shares, “I’m very thrilled and grateful to be selected as the National Composer in Residence! I am excited to collaborate with Mace and the band to create something special. The creative freedom will allow me to compose according to my artistic vision. Working alongside a highly skilled band is exciting, and the prospect of networking and meeting new individuals is another thing I am looking forward to.”
FREDERICK JOHNSTON-HORSTMAN
Boorloo-based trombonist, vocalist, and composer Frederick Johnston-Horstman brings a unique perspective as an openly genderqueer musician. His compositions celebrate diversity and collaboration, with a focus on accessibility in both complexity and instrumentation. In 2024 he launched Ensemble Neoteric – an ensemble for gender diverse artists aiming to develop a community supported in creativity and exploration.
Fred, who played with WAYJO for five years between 2018 to 2023, is eager to return as a composer: “Having played with the band for so many years, I’m excited to be coming back as a composer. The band has such a diverse set of voices so I’m especially looking forward to writing for the individual players, as well as the ensemble as a whole. I’m also interested to see how the language I’ve developed in art music can be translated to a more traditional band setup.”
AARON CALDWELL
Aaron Caldwell, a saxophonist, composer, and current member of WAYJO’s Wednesday Night Orchestra, rounds out the 2024 Composers in Residence. Known for his improvisational prowess and deep understanding of jazz tradition, Aaron is excited to take on the challenge of writing for a big band for the first time.
“It’s a real creative and intellectual challenge for me. It’s also great to be able to have a talented band available to hear and experience what you’ve created with people you know,” says Aaron.
Since its inception in 2008, the WAYJO Composer in Residence program has supported the development of new works by some of Australia’s most promising composers. The 2024 cohort continues this tradition, pushing the boundaries of jazz composition and bringing fresh, innovative sounds to the big band stage.
Stay tuned for the premiere performances of these new works.
To learn more about the program, click here.
WAYJO extends its gratitude to our core funding bodies including Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries, Wright Burt Foundation, Bendat Family Foundation and the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation for their continued support.