WAYJO Visits Abmusic
Wednesday 7 October WAYJO visited Abmusic to present a workshop on the concepts of jazz performance and improvisation. A trio, made up of Luke Geha (piano), Kieran Barnes (bass) and Cameron Fermoyle (drums), performed for the students and discussed the different roles in the jazz ensemble.
There was a really healthy and interesting discussion on the roles of each instrument, how band members interact, and rhythmic concepts in jazz. Many of the students come from an electronic music or hip hop background, so this was the first time experiencing live jazz for some.
"Feedback from our participants has been overwhelming, particularly with regard to musical communication" said Abmusic's CEO Patricia Alessi. "The participants trialled musical communication in their next rehearsal, and they found it to be incredibly helpful to ‘try what the jazz musicians did.’ Other comments from the workshop included, ‘Amazing!’ and ‘Mind-blowing!’ It is really changing how the musicians ‘talk’ to each other in rehearsals and performances... it has opened them up to a new soundworld."
WAYJO thanks Abmusic for the opportunity to visit the campus, and look forward to jamming & yarning about jazz again soon.
For more information about Abmusic, check out abmusic.com.au . You can visit the campus for NAIDOC Day Celebrations, 11am-3pm Wednesday 11 November. Enjoy live music, stalls, goodie bags, plus tours and information about their music and beauty courses. Abmusic are located close to Curtin University - 295 Manning Rd Waterford, on Clontarf Campus.
To celebrate NAIDOC week 2020, we encourage you to check out this and many of the other events happening 8-15 November by visiting naidoc.org.au
WAYJO Announces 2020 Season with an All-Australian Guest Artist Program
The West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) launches its 2020 season, Homegrown, celebrating the depth of talent Australia has produced in the jazz scene, with a suite of Australian guest artists in an exciting program.
After a 2019 focus on the birthplace of jazz, the USA, featuring numerous sell-out performances, WAYJO brings a stunning array of Australian artists from interstate and abroad to perform with the company’s three 18-piece jazz big bands. As part of the Homegrown season, WAYJO have also commissioned a number of new compositions, presenting the World Premiere of nearly three hours of new music.
WAYJO recognises the importance of showcasing Australian musicians and the successes of over 35 years of WAYJO alumni on the Australian and international scenes. Our vision to “build the future of Australian jazz” is the cornerstone rationale behind the 2020 program, offering outstanding opportunities for young Western Australian musicians and providing WAYJO’s growing audience with fresh perspectives and experiences.
Homegrown kicks off with a tribute to one of Perth’s legendary and much missed venues, with Swinging at the Embassy Ballroom. From 1928 to 1982, the Embassy hosted many of Perth’s swinging jazz legends as well as artists from across the ocean, and WAYJO will remind nostalgic audiences of the music of those years on the main stage at His Majesty’s Theatre. Featuring all three of WAYJO’s big bands and guest vocalists Anita Wardell & Victoria Newton this will be a concert event for young and old alike.
Jazz at The Maj returns from May to October, featuring stunning concerts in the beautifully intimate Downstairs at The Maj. The season begins in May with WAYJO welcoming vocalist Kristin Berardi (Qld) in Polka Dots and Moonbeams. Kristin wowed Perthaudiences at the 2019 Perth International Jazz Festival with her sensuous voice and joins the WAYJO Tuesday Night Orchestra.
In June, WAYJO is proud to present a true legend of Australian jazz, pianist Judy Bailey (NSW) to perform My Favourite Things. A force of nature, Judy joins the WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra, Perth’s premiere big band in performing new jazz composition, for two unmissable concerts.
July sees WAYJO debuting our first major commissions for 2020. WAYJO alumni Andrew Murray (Vic) joins Artistic Director Dr Mace Francis to present Come Together. For the first time, the WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra will perform works composed specifically for this ensemble, a rare challenge for the most junior WAYJO band. However, with well-known music like The Beatles’ “Come Together” receiving a whole new jazz arrangement audiences are sure to be surprised and enchanted in this World Premiere event.
One of WAYJO’s recent success stories, Alana Macpherson, alumna and former WAYJO Assistant Music Director, joins WAYJO in September for the second major commission of the year, All or Nothing At All. Alana, 2018 WAM Award winner as Best Brass/String/Woodwind Instrumentalist, studies her Masters of Jazz Composition at the MUG University of Music and Performing Arts, Austria, and brings her saxophone and composing skills to bear with the Wednesday Night Orchestra.
Toshi Clinch (Vic) offers his unique arrangements of classic Hollywood films to WAYJO in October to close out the Jazz at The Maj season with A Golden Age of Jazz on Film. Following the success of WAYJO’s 2019 concerts, Jazz at the Movies, these reimagined works of Quincy Jones, John Williams and more will be a family favourite.
WAYJO’s guest artist program is proudly supported by the Minderoo Foundation in their second year of partnership with WAYJO.
Punctuating the Homegrown season will be the return of the King Street Corner Pocket Jazz Festival in 2020. Showcasing the depth of talent in Western Australia, over 50 performances by the state’s emerging and established jazz acts will feature across the three days of the Festival. From big band to smaller intimate ensembles and solo musicians, King Street Corner Pocket is the most accessible and fun way to see multiple acts in the same night in easy walking distance. WAYJO will also present The Debut Collection during the Festival, featuring commissioned works from the company’s Composer-in-Residence program. King Street Corner Pocket is supported by the City of Perth.
The sell-out Jazz for Juniors returns as part of WAYJO’s ongoing Act-Belong-Commit education program, which also features dedicated schools concerts Downstairs at The Maj, and South-West and Geraldton Regional Tours.
Homegrown continues WAYJO’s focus on supporting the growth of jazz in the State and furthering the representation of female artists, with five of the seven guest artists programmed outstanding women in the field.
WAYJO’s 2019 season saw continued audience growth, with the Jazz at the Maj season reaching 92% of ticketed capacity, a 10% increase in audiences at Corner Pocket, and box office targets exceeded by 12%.
WAYJO is the small company that has WA’s arts community buzzing, with an exciting 2020 on the horizon.
WAYJO 2020 Season Overview
His Majesty’s Theatre
Swinging at the Embassy Ballroom
Featuring Anita Wardell and Victoria Newton
March 27
Downstairs at The Maj
"Jazz at The Maj"
Polka Dots and Moonbeams
Featuring Kristin Berardi
May 1 & 2
My Favourite Things
Featuring Judy Bailey
June 5 & 6
Come Together (World Premiere)
Featuring Andrew Murray and Mace Francis
July 3 & 4
All or Nothing At All
Featuring Alana Macpherson
September 4 & 5
A Golden Age of Jazz on Film
Featuring Toshi Clinch
October 2 & 3
Jazz for Juniors
April 14-15, July 7-8, September 29-30
King Street Corner Pocket Jazz Festival
Various Venues around King and Hay Streets, Perth – July 30 to August 1
WAYJO 2020 Sponsors
Government Partner Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries & Lotterywest
Principal Partner North West Shelf Gas
Guest Artist Partner The Minderoo Foundation
Education and Regional Tour Partner Healthway
Naming Rights Partner Monday Night Orchestra MinterEllison
Major Partner St John of God Health Care
Offical Partner Gerard Daniels
Hotel Partner InterContinental City Centre Perth
Festival Partner City of Perth
Venue Partners His Majesty’s Theatre & West Australian Academy of Performing Arts
Supporting Partners Minuteman Press Perth, City of Perth Parking, ActivIT & RTR FM 92.1
Media Contact
Simon Keen, WAYJO General Manager
simon.keen@wayjo.com
0407 990 483
2020 WAYJO Composer Residencies Announced
Now in its 13th year, the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra’s Composer-in-Residence program has annually supported two emerging composers to develop new works for a large jazz ensemble, offering both generous commission fees and artistic mentorship.
This year we had a large number of applications which makes the decisions very difficult. This is a good indication that jazz composition is still alive and well in this country, especially seeing the quality of the submissions.
However, only two composers could be selected to fill the Associate Composer in Residence and the Composer in Residence positions. They were chosen based on their previous work, education, and proposed ideas for the commission.
WAAPA composition graduate Maddie Ivy from WA was successful as the 2020 WAYJO Associate Composer in Residence.
Maddy has a great grasp on orchestration and craft, as well as creative ways of using the big band and a variety of genres and musical settings.
Des Cannings from NSW will be the 2020 WAYJO Composer in Residence.
Des’s skill and craft in writing for big band instrumentation and respect for the tradition was displayed in his previous work. Des hopes to push his concepts of melodic development and creative form in ways he has not previously been able to do.
The WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra will premier and record these young composer’s exciting new works at the 2020 King St Corner Pocket Jazz Festival, running 30 July to 1 August.
For more information about WAYJO’s composer in residence program and commissioning, please visit wayjo.com/composer-in-residence
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
2020 Young Women in Jazz Registrations Open
WAYJO is calling for female identifying instrumentalist aged 14 to 25, interested in playing or studying jazz or improvised music, to take part in workshops to collaborate and learn with fellow female musicians.
Young Women in Jazz is an 8-week series of Saturday workshops, commencing 2 May 2020. Conducted in small groups with leading guest artists, educators and WAYJO Alumnae, these workshops build support networks, refine skills and increase performer confidence.
This year’s special guest tutors include the international multi-award winning vocalist Kristin Berardi, and legendary pianist/composer Judy Bailey.
A final public performance, held at the Ellington Jazz Club on Sunday 21 June, will showcase the participants newly acquired skills in a professional jazz venue setting.
Run in Perth since 2014, and developed in 2002 by Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) and Dr. Sandy Evans OAM, the Young Women’s Jazz Workshops are specifically designed to inspire young women to play jazz and pursue a future in music.
WAYJO acknowledges program partners SIMA (Sydney Improvised Music Association) as well as St John of God Health Care for their continued support of the program here in Western Australia.
Registrations for the 2020 Young Women in Jazz Program open Friday 20 December, 2019 and close Friday 24 April, 2020.
For more information about the Young Women in Jazz program, or to register, please visit wayjo.com/young-women-in-jazz
#YoungWomenInJazz
Contacts
Gemma Farrell
Young Women in Jazz Program Coordinator
education@wayjo.com
Justine Thornley
WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
WAYJO in the USA - 2019 Brubeck Colony Scholarship Recipients
Two WAYJO members have returned from an incredible week of working with jazz luminaries and other exemplary students at the Brubeck Institute in Stockton, California.
The standard of the all the students and staff was jaw dropping, with Julia Wallace (pictured right) and Cameron Fermoyle (pictured left) doing a superlative job representing WAYJO in a spectacularly creative musical environment.
"Congratulations to the WAYJO team for continuing to provide these kind of opportunities to further develop Australia's place in the international jazz community. Massive thanks to Patrick Langham and Randi Sandoli for administrating and directing all involved at the Brubeck Summer Colony 2019." - Marty Pervan, WAYJO TNO Musical Director.
Some words from the participants;
"We had an incredible time at the Brubeck Colony. It was a whirlwind experience where we were in a busy environment surrounded by amazing American music students and a world class faculty, including Carl Allen, Steve Davis and Essiet Essiet. Ingrid Jensen worked with Cam's ensemble all week and he learnt so much from her unique and freeing teaching style. Steve Davis and Greg Tardy were my ensemble teachers and I feel so lucky to have had such professional and experienced musicians be so kind and encouraging the whole week."
"One of the things that the faculty would always mention is the importance of deep listening and researching. I think as young musicians now on steaming platforms and such, the process of checking out records has deteriorated, creating a lesser grasp of the history and mastery of the music."
"The Brubeck Colony has enlightened us on this idea through multiple rehearsals, masterclasses and clinics, with some of the world’s best, which I believe has begun maturing our sense of musicianship and has created a profound new hunger for learning and striving to achieve greatness everyday."
"Advice to people planning to audition and participate in the Brubeck Colony would be to learn as many tunes as humanly possible between now and then. It’ll mean you’ll be able to play in all the Jam sessions and get the most out of the rehearsals, so the faculty can spend the time on imparting their wisdom on deeper level."
Thank you very much WAYJO for this incredible opportunity - Julia & Cam!
2020 WAYJO Auditions Open
Audition applications for participation in 2020 WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) big bands are now open. Musicians interested in performing jazz and improvised music, who will be aged 14-25 (28 if in full-time study) and located in Perth during 2020, are encouraged to apply.
All performer positions are auditioned annually, offering members the opportunity to perform a range of jazz styles at some of Perth’s best venues, and travel regionally, nationally and internationally with top band leaders and touring guest artists.
A total of fifty-four places are available within three big bands – the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Night Orchestras – each auditioning for Saxophones (Alto, Tenor & Baritone), Trumpets, Trombones (Tenor & Bass), Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums plus Vocalists.
Auditions are held at WAYJO’s rehearsal studio in Maylands Hall, located close to public transport, with parking available along Eighth Avenue.
Approximately 15 minutes in duration, all audition dates and times are allocated on a first come first served basis – so apply early;
Thursday 28 November, 2019 | 4.00pm – 9.00pm
Friday 29 November, 2019 | 4.00pm – 9.00pm
Saturday 30 November, 2019 | 9.00am – 6.30pm
Sunday 1 December, 2019 | 9.00am – 6.30pm
Whether aspiring to be a professional jazz musician or composer, WAYJO has something to offer YOU!
2020 WAYJO Audition Applications close 11.59pm, Monday 11 November 2019 – if not filled prior.
Visit wayjo.com/audition for full details – but don’t delay, as WAYJO’s audition places booked out last year!
The WAYJO Education program is supported by Healthway, promoting the Act-Belong-Commit message.
#WAYJOauditions
2019 WAYJO Composer Residencies Announced
Now in its 11th year, the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra’s Composer-in-Residence program has annually supported two emerging composers to develop new works for a large jazz ensemble, offering both generous commission fees and artistic mentorship.
This year we had the largest number of entries we’ve ever seen, making the usual difficult decisions even harder. This is a good indication that jazz composition is still alive and well in this country, especially seeing the quality of the submissions.
However, only two composers could be selected to fill the Associate Composer in Residence and the Composer in Residence positions. They were chosen based on their previous work, education, and proposed ideas for the commission.
WAYJO Alumni Joshua Nicholls was successful as the 2019 WAYJO Associate Composer in Residence.
Joshua has a good grasp on orchestration, voicing and arranging craft as well as having an eclectic range of influences and styles he brings into his music.
Scott van Gemert will be the 2019 WAYJO Composer in Residence.
Scott’s skill and craft in writing for big band instrumentation, and respect for the tradition, was displayed in his previous work.
Scott's proposal to push his concepts of form and structure while still acknowledging the jazz tradition promises to deliver us some exceptional new Australian big band music.
The WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra will premier and record these young composer's exciting new works at the 2019 King St Corner Pocket Jazz Festival, Sat 6 July Downstairs at The Maj - 6.00pm & 7.30pm.
For more information about WAYJO’s composer in residence program and commissioning, please 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
2019 Young Women in Jazz Registrations Open
2019 Young Women in Jazz Registrations Open November 1st
#YoungWomenInJazz
WAYJO is calling for young women aged 14 to 25, interested in playing or studying jazz or improvised music, to take part in workshops to collaborate and learn with fellow female musicians.
Young Women in Jazz is an 8-week series of Saturday workshops, commencing 17 Apr 2019. Conducted in small groups with leading guest artists, educators and WAYJO Alumnae, these workshops build support networks, refine skills and increase performer confidence.
A final public performance, held at the Ellington Jazz Club on Sunday 23 June, will showcase the participants newly acquired skills in a professional jazz venue setting.
Run in Perth since 2014, and developed in 2002 by Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) and Dr. Sandy Evans OAM, the Young Women’s Jazz Workshops are specifically designed to inspire young women to play jazz and pursue a future in music.
WAYJO acknowledges program partners SIMA (Sydney Improvised Music Association) as well as St John of God Health Care for their continued support of the program here in Western Australia.
Registrations for the 2019 Young Women in Jazz Program open Thu 1 Nov, 2018 and close Fri 5 Apr, 2019. For more information about the Young Women in Jazz program, or to register, please visit wayjo.com/young-women-in-jazz
Contacts:
Gemma Farrell
Young Women in Jazz Program Leader & Assistant Music Director (Jul 2018 – Jun 2019)
education@wayjo.com
Justine Thornley
WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
2018 Participant Testimonials:
"The WAYJO YWIJ program has given me the motivation to improve on my technical and improvisational skills in a welcoming and friendly environment, and to further my interest in this boundless and exciting genre of music." - Mei Lyn, age 20.
"YWIJ has over the years helped to boost my confidence and has developed my ability to rely less on the written music, allowing me to challenge myself." - Lorian, age 14.
"YWIJ is a great program that allowed me to challenge myself whilst playing with a bunch of great people." - Catherine, age 16.
"The first time I walked into this course I was scared, but this is my 5th year and I knew I was walking into a friendly and positive environment, ready to learn. This course has given me so much confidence, playing and personality wise. 10/10 would recommend. Keen for year 6 and new links." - Abbie, age 15.
"The course was approachable and fun for people of all experience levels. It helped me to develop more confidence in improvising." - Dee, age 21.
"YWIJ has broadened my musical knowledge and improved my improvisational skill. 5 stars on tripadvisor." - Sam, age 14.
"During 3 years of the YWIJ workshop I have developed not only my improvisational skills, but I have learnt to challenge myself and work better in an ensemble. YWIJ is such a welcoming and open environment to experiment with new techniques and I have enjoyed every minute." - Stella, age 14.
2019 WAYJO Auditions Open
2019 Act-Belong-Commit WAYJO Band Auditions Now Open
Audition applications for participation in 2019 WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) big bands are now open. Musicians interested in performing jazz and improvised music, who will be aged 14-25 (28 if in full-time study) and located in Perth during 2019, are encouraged to apply.
All performer positions are auditioned annually, offering members the opportunity to perform a range of jazz styles at some of Perth's best venues, and travel regionally, nationally and internationally with top band leaders and touring guest artists.
A total of fifty-four places are available within three big bands - the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Night Orchestras - each auditioning for Saxophones (Alto, Tenor & Baritone), Trumpets, Trombones (Tenor & Bass), Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums plus Vocalists.
Auditions are held at WAYJO’s rehearsal studio in Maylands Hall, located close to public transport, with parking available along Eighth Avenue. Approximately 15 minutes in duration, all audition dates and times are allocated on a first come first served basis - so apply early;
Thursday 29 November, 2018 | 4.00pm - 9.00pm SOLD OUT!
Friday 30 November, 2018 | 4.00pm - 9.00pm SOLD OUT!
Saturday 1 December, 2018 | 9.00am - 6.30pm SOLD OUT!
Sunday 2 December, 2018 | 9.00am - 6.30pm SOLD OUT!
Whether aspiring to be a professional jazz musician or composer, WAYJO has something to offer.
2019 WAYJO Audition Applications close 11.59pm, Monday 12 November 2018 - if not filled prior.
Visit wayjo.com/audition for full details - but don’t delay, as WAYJO’s audition places booked out last year!
The WAYJO Education program is supported by Healthway, promoting the Act-Belong-Commit message.
#WAYJOauditions
WAYJO 2018 Composer In Residence
We are proud to announce the participants of our annual Composer in Residence program.
Congratulations to our 2018 Composer in Residence, Tim Newhouse (pictured left) and Associate Composer in Residence, Max Wickham (pictured right).
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra offers young jazz composers exciting paid opportunities to develop new works and enhance their writing and conducting skills.
Through this unique program, WAYJO and Artistic Director Mace Francis support two emerging composers to develop new works for large jazz ensemble, offering both generous commissions and artistic mentorship.
The Composer in Residence will compose three new works (2 works for Assistant Composer in Residence), each of between six and eight minutes duration, for the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Wednesday Night Orchestra.
While the full line-up will be announced in the coming weeks, you will be able to hear these new works performed as part of our King Street Corner Pocket Festival on July 7.