Every great organisation is built by people who go the extra mile. Since 1983, WAYJO has been shaped by passionate musicians, visionary leaders, dedicated educators and generous supporters who have contributed to the growth of Western Australia’s premier youth jazz orchestra.
Established in 2017, the WAYJO Hall of Fame recognises individuals whose contributions have left a lasting mark on the organisation. In 2025, the WAYJO Board refined the structure of our honours, confirming that the Hall of Fame will recognise alumni who have progressed to professional musical careers.
In the same year, the Roger Garrood Award for Dedicated Service was introduced to honour individuals who have made a significant contribution to WAYJO through leadership, advocacy, education or organisational support.
Each award may only be received once, although an individual may be recognised with both awards in separate years.
Hall of Fame Award
2025 - Aaron Wyatt
Aaron Wyatt is a Noongar man from Western Australia whose career as a violist, conductor, composer, researcher and programmer has placed him at the forefront of contemporary music practice in Australia. His musical journey began in Perth in youth ensembles including WAYJO, when the organisation’s big band included a string section.
As a violist and conductor, Aaron has worked with major orchestras and ensembles across Australia and internationally. In 2021, he became the first Indigenous Australian to conduct an Australian state orchestra with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He is also known for developing innovative digital tools for music performance, including the Decibel ScorePlayer app.
Through his work as a composer and researcher, Aaron continues to expand the possibilities of music in Australia, including works that celebrate First Nations languages and stories. For his exceptional artistic achievements and the inspiration he provides to young musicians, we are proud to welcome Aaron Wyatt into the WAYJO Hall of Fame.
Roger Garrood Award for Dedicated Service
2025 - Andrea Stimson
Andrea Stimson has been a remarkable champion of WAYJO since 2021. She was instrumental in establishing the WAYJO Northern Corridor Training Band, first approaching the organisation with the idea in 2020 and helping bring it to life through a partnership with St Stephen’s School in Duncraig.
Through her dedication and generosity, Andrea has created opportunities for aspiring jazz musicians from across Perth’s northern suburbs and beyond to experience playing in a big band and develop the skills and confidence needed to audition for WAYJO’s core ensembles.
Andrea has also had a distinguished career as a conductor, educator and musical director across Western Australia’s performing arts sector, and is currently Director of Music at St Stephen’s School. For her commitment to nurturing young musicians and her lasting contribution to WAYJO, we are proud to recognise Andrea Stimson as the inaugural recipient of the Roger Garrood Award for Dedicated Service.
2024 - Yoko Kikuta
Ms. Yoko Kikuta has been the driving force behind the SHOWAYJO exchange program between WAYJO and Showa University of Music in Japan since its inception in 2013. She joined the Tokyo office of North West Shelf Gas in August 2008 as an Executive Assistant to the General Manager.
North West Shelf Gas was the principal sponsor of this exchange until the Tokyo office closed in May 2024. Ms. Kikuta played a pivotal role in organising all logistics, itineraries, and other essential arrangements for the exchange in both Tokyo and Perth. Initially indifferent to music, she developed a deep appreciation for it through her work with the young musicians involved in the program.
Ms. Kikuta embodies the spirit of WAYJO through her generosity and dedication to creating opportunities for young people in the arts. Additionally, she is known for her exceptional love of chocolate and ice cream.
2023 - Linda May Han Oh
Linda’s had an incredible journey from Perth high school bassoon player to Grammy Award-winning international bassist.
These days she is based in New York City, where she has performed and recorded with artists such as Pat Metheny, Kenny Barron, Joe Lovano, Dave Douglas, Terri Lyne Carrington, Steve Wilson, Geri Allen and Vijay Iyer. In 2023 Linda received the prestigious Herb Alpert Award for music and has had five releases as a leader which have received critical acclaim, her latest – a quintet album entitled The Glass Hours on Biophilia Records.
Linda is currently Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music in the bass department and is also part of the Institute for Jazz and Gender Justice led by Terri Lyne Carrington.
2022 - Christopher Zelestis KC
Chris was a long-term board member and chair, and he helped guide WAYJO through a lot of tough decisions – he’s the reason why we are in such a great place today. Chris has been a barrister since 1973, was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1987, and has extensive practice mainly in commercial law.
While he no longer provides oral advocacy services, Chris continues to provide advice, settle pleadings, and supervises preparation of major litigation. He also acts as arbitrator and mediator.
2021 - Dr Jamie Ohelers
Jamie is a great supporter and alumni of WAYJO and is also an advocate for youth music and jazz in WA.
Since joining WAYJO when he was just 14 years old, Jamie progressed on to be winner of the 2003 White Foundation World Saxophone Competition, was named Australian Jazz Musician of the Year at the 2007 Bell Awards as well as winning the Best Jazz Release category and is now coordinator of Jazz Studies at WAAPA.
He has performed with leading international jazz artists in the United States, Asia, India, UK, Europe, New Zealand and throughout Australia and frequently performs at jazz clubs and festivals throughout the world.
2019 - Michael Beech
Michael has been a strong supporter of WAYJO from off the bandstand for many years, but his contribution has meant that we have been able to keep many of our projects and concerts ongoing.
Michael has a passion for the music we love, for the emerging talent in our musicians and for what WAYJO does in the community. We need more people like Michael in our lives. Michael’s continuing support for WAYJO’s exchange with the Brubeck Institute in the USA also touches the lives of our talent musicians who are selected to take part in this incredible opportunity.
2018 - Dr Mace Francis
Mace joined WAYJO in 2001 as a guitarist and promising composer. His experience in WAYJO changed his life being able to work with Frank Foster and Ed Partyka and he has been involved ever since. Mace graduated from a musician to an Assistant MD and then to the artistic director position in 2008.
Mace has given a large part of his life to WAYJO and wouldn’t have it any other way.
2017 - Roger Garrood
Roger was a Perth jazz saxophone legend, teaching everyone who has gone on to be a professional saxophonist in this city. He led the WAYJO Swing Band for 12 years and imparted his wisdom, passion and enthusiasm for the music to everyone who played in his band.
Roger passed the baton onto Ricki Malet when he had some health issues and couldn’t give the band what they needed. Roger sadly passed away on 6 August 2023. We miss Roger’s cheeky grin and love of the music and the musicians.
