WAYJO presents 'Taint What You Do
WAYJO presents ‘Taint What You Do
A Swinging Night of Dance Music at The Rechabite
Two of the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) bands are heading to The Rechabite Hall Sunday 21 August for a night of big band swing.
The WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra are in fine form, appearing fresh from a sell-out show in July, plus very well received Act Belong Commit Regional Tour appearances in Margaret River and Bunbury early August.
The WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra also return to The Rechabite to perform a swinging set, hailing the charm and splendour that were live dance band evenings of yesteryear.
This relaxed Sunday evening show is perfect for dancers of all ages and abilities, plus families wishing to enjoy classic jazz inspired by the big bands of the 1930s to the 1960s.
Dress up and step out in style on this amazing wooden dance floor, along with the local swing dancing community. Be sure to get your tickets before they swing out the door.
WAYJO presents ‘Taint What You Do
MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra & WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra
Sun 21 August, 7.30pm
The Rechabite, Northbridge
Tickets wayjo.com
WAYJO has chosen to use Humanitix for our 2022 ticketed season.
Humanitix are a registered charity offering 100% of profits from booking fees toward education programs for Young Girls and scholarships for Indigenous Australians.
Hashtags: #WAYJO2022 #RechabiteJazz
Photograph: Josh Wells (Speakeasy 2021)
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley, WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
WAYJO 2022 Brubeck Jazz Summit Scholarship
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) are proud to announce Wednesday Night Orchestra members Cass Evans-Ocharern (bass) and Bob Tweedie (keyboard) were selected as this year’s recipients of the 2022 Brubeck Jazz Summit Scholarship. Joined by musical chaperone and WAYJO board member Kate Pass, they travelled to Sierra Nevada University, North Lake Tahoe July 10 to 16 for the annual United States jazz performance intensive.
“We had an amazing week at the Brubeck Jazz Summit in beautiful Lake Tahoe. It was an invaluable experience getting to hang out with and learn from some of the best jazz musicians in the world right now” comments Kate. “It was wonderful to see Cass and Bob thrive within the cohort, bringing a mature musical outlook, ensemble skills and etiquette, and of course a sense of humour!”
Cass says “The Brubeck Jazz Summit was an absolutely incredible experience. It was surreal to fly across the world because of Jazz. We had the amazing opportunity to work under some of the best Jazz musicians in the world, such as Chad LB, Connie Han, Rodney Whitaker, Sean Jones, Gilad Hekselman, and Eric Harland. We were able to work with each faculty member in ensembles, learn from their Masterclasses and also watched them perform with Dave Brubeck's son's, Chris and Dan Brubeck.”
“We also had the absolute pleasure of meeting other like-minded, young Jazz musicians from not only all over America, but also the UK! It was so lovely to make new friends from such different backgrounds and I am looking forward to seeing where each student goes in their career.”
"I am so fortunate to have had such an incredible opportunity because of WAYJO and Classical Tahoe. It was an absolutely amazing learning experience and I am so thankful to have gone.”
Brubeck Jazz Summit is a one-week intensive jazz performance training program offered to thirty selected students from throughout the world. It offers the unparalleled opportunity to workshop with Brubeck Institute faculty, guest artists and master teachers as the living legacy of the musician and international statesman, Dave Brubeck.
The Brubeck Jazz Summit accepts annual online applications from highly motivated students. More information about the program is online at davebrubeck.com/brubeck-living-legacy
Hashtags: #WAYJO2022 #BrubeckJazzSummit
Contact:
Justine Thornley WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
WAYJO presents a Saxophone Showcase with Gemma Farrell
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) presents outstanding saxophonist, composer and educator Gemma Farrell at Lyric’s Underground, Saturday July 30th.
Join the WAM award winner and 2022 Australian Women in Music Award nominee, plus WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra (MNO), in a big band exploration of the saxophone family.
This showcase features almost the entire family of instruments, as well as electronic saxophone, making it a great concert for saxophone fans, plus those wanting to learn more about the iconic jazz reed instrument.
“As well as playing two of my original big band compositions, recorded by the Artemis Orchestra, I will be performing some of the great Ellington and Basie saxophone features with the MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra” says Gemma. “I’ll be performing on the four main members of the saxophone family, soprano, alto, tenor and baritone, as well as performing a standard on the Electric Wind Instrument or (EWI) with the MNO rhythm section.”
“MNO is sounding great and I’m really looking forward to performing with them.”
Gemma’s projects as a leader include the Gemma Farrell Quintet, the Artemis Orchestra, the Namora Nonet and MFG. She can also be seen performing with the Perth Cabaret Collective, the 950 Express, Mace Francis +11, and Perth Saxophone Rockers.
Gemma’s skills as talented composer and performer with WAYJO can be enjoyed for one night only – book tickets soon at wayjo.com
Gemma appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2022 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
WAYJO presents Gemma Farrell Meets WAYJO
MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra, with special guest Gemma Farrell
Sat 30 July, 8.00pm
Lyric’s Underground, Maylands
Tickets wayjo.com
WAYJO has chosen to use Humanitix for our 2022 ticketed season.
Humanitix are a registered charity offering 100% of profits from booking fees toward education programs for Young Girls and scholarships for Indigenous Australians.
Hashtags: #WAYJO2022 #JazzUnderground #GemmaFarrellSaxophone
Photograph: Gemma Farrell – artist supplied
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley, WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
2022 WAYJO Act Belong Commit MNO Regional Tour
The WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra (MNO) is excited to be touring regionally to Margaret River and Bunbury early August.
Join the MNO on their ‘Big Band Road Trip’ for a night of classic Count Basie and Duke Ellington jazz repertoire, plus exciting contemporary works by WA saxophonist, composer, and 2022 Australian Women in Music Award nominee Gemma Farrell.
There’s something for all contemporary and jazz music fans in this free community concert program simply not to be missed!
Margaret River District Club
Thursday 4 August, 7.00pm – free entry margaretriverdistrictclub.com
Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre (BREC)
Friday 5 August, 7.00pm – free tickets from bunburyentertainment.com
WAYJO’s Regional Touring program is supported by Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit message.
Hashtags: #WAYJO2022 #WAYJOregional #ActBelongCommit
Photograph: 2021 WAYJO MNO by Josh Wells
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley, WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
2022 WAYJO Pathways Education Semester Two
WAYJO’s Act Belong Commit Pathways Program offers a chance to explore jazz music, or learn more about auditioning for the band. There are two audition-free, inclusive workshops available in semester two for aspiring young musicians are now open for registrations;
- WAYJO Northern Corridor (NC) is a training orchestra for high school students wishing to extend themselves through learning how to read and play various styles of music. It is held Tuesday evenings at St Stephens in Duncraig with a performance in their theatre in September.
Semester 2 registrations open 9.00am Monday 27th June, and close Thursday 21st July, 2022.
- WAYJO Club is an exciting opportunity for aspiring instrumentalists and vocalists, aged 12-18 years, to learn about and participate in jazz music making with WAYJO in a social and inclusive setting. WAYJO Club is open to all young musicians with a basic understanding of music.
Semester 2 registrations open Tuesday 28th June, and close 5.00pm Tuesday 26th July, 2022.
Head to wayjo.com/education for more information and registration details.
WAYJO’s Pathways Education Program is supported by Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit message, and our Major Partner Minderoo Foundation.
Photograph by Adrian Hicks.
WAYJO presents Jessica Carlton and the Music of Kenny Wheeler
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) presents Jessica Carlton plays the Music of Kenny Wheeler – a concert featuring impressive trumpet focussed jazz on Friday 8 July at Lyric’s Underground in Maylands.
WAYJO are thrilled to feature a night of amazing jazz lead by one of Australia’s most talented and promising female trumpet players Jessica Carlton.
“Since moving to Perth, I have been very excited by the work that WAYJO do as an organisation that is focused on inspiring and educating young musicians. I am of course passionate about music, but also about providing positive and safe environments for young musicians to develop in” states Jessica. “As a tutor, I have been involved with Young Women in Jazz and WAYJO Club, and very much looking forward to working with WAYJO as a performer, plus working with the musicians of Wednesday Night Orchestra.”
“I am also a big fan of Kenny Wheeler, and his music has influenced me as a trumpet player and composer significantly, so I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge of performing his music.”
Kenny Wheeler was an important and unique voice in jazz as a trumpeter and big band composer. His lyrical and unorthodox style of playing has influenced generations of trumpet players and his albums for big band, including ‘Music For Small and Large Ensembles’ are considered classics.
This concert will feature two significant Wheeler works, ‘A Long Time Ago Suite’ and ‘The Sweet Time Suite’ – featuring Jessica Carlton on trumpet.
“Jessica has recently moved to Perth after living and studying in Melbourne and New York. Carlton’s lyrical and melodic improvisational style is influenced by Wheeler. She is a distinct voice in the Australian jazz scene” states WAYJO Artistic Director Mace Francis.
Jessica appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2022 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
WAYJO presents Jessica Carlton plays the Music of Kenny Wheeler
WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra, with special guest Jessica Carlton
Fri 8 July, 8.00pm
Lyric’s Underground, Maylands
Tickets wayjo.com
WAYJO has chosen to use Humanitix for our 2022 ticketed season.
Humanitix are a registered charity offering 100% of profits from booking fees toward education programs for Young Girls and scholarships for Indigenous Australians.
Hashtags: #WAYJO2022 #JazzUnderground #JessCarltonTrumpet
Photograph: Jessica Carlton – by Tom Greble
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley, WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
John Morrison visits WAYJO NC
Tuesday 10 May WAYJO's Northern Corridor band had the incredible experience of workshopping with jazz drummer and bandleader John Morrison.
"Engaging and inspiring the next generation of musicians, John gave his personal insights, and showed them the ropes of what it takes to play big band music like the pros. From delving deep into the nitty-gritty of balancing, shaping phrases as a unit, and creating interest and momentum in solos, to hilarious recollections of his early days with brother James Morrison, and sharing 'the only cowbell in Australia' with jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. John's given them all a memorable experience they will cherish, and the valuable lessons in musicianship will stay with them forever." - WAYJO NC Term 2 Guest Tutor, Alex Parkinson (photo by program leader, Adrian Hicks).
The eldest of the Morrison family, John has spent much of his musical life playing and recording with his younger brother James Morrison. After living in New York in the late eighties, John and James returned home to form Australia's premier jazz big band 'The Morrison Bros Big Bad Band'. John also has played with a variety of well-known artists including James Moody, Scott Hamilton, Richie Cole, John and Jeff Clayton, Garry Dial, Jimmy Whitherspoon, Eartha Kitt, Don Burrows, George Golla, and Bob Barnard.
WAYJO NC offers training orchestras for high school students wishing to extend themselves, and learn how to read and play various styles of music including jazz, funk, latin and rock - no audition required! Both training bands rehearse Tuesday Evening’s during school terms at St Stephen’s Music Department in Duncraig.
Semester Two registrations open Monday 27 June, and close Thursday 21 July, 2022. For more on NC visit wayjo.com/education/wayjonc
WAYJO NC is part of WAYJO’s Pathways Education Program, supported by Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit message, and our Major Partner Minderoo Foundation.
Photograph by Adrian Hicks.
WAYJO presents Beats and Pieces at The Rechabite - June 10
Ground-breaking Fusion and Collaboration with Djinda Boodja Indigenous Musicians
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) proudly announces their upcoming show Beats and Pieces: from Latino to Electro, presenting audiences a night of exciting world fusion, plus new collaborations with Indigenous hip-hop musicians from Djinda Boodja (Star Country).
This one-of-a-kind show features two big band sets like no other – the St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra get you up dancing in a high energy celebration of bold Latino music, with special guest vocalist Adolfo Chavez, plus percussionists Marcus Perrozzi & Steve Richter.
Djinda Boodja musicians Zero Emcee (a.k.a. Jaydan Ahmat) & Daniel Chandler then drop beats and rap with the Wednesday Night Orchestra with big beat-driven sounds that will keep you dancing in an RnB inspired second set.
“We are excited and passionate about the upcoming performance with the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO). It is an important opportunity to see Indigenous musicians collaborate with a jazz orchestra, and we cannot wait for the concert,” states Vicki Warn, Djinda Boodja General Manager. Djinda Boodja CEO Patricia Alessi also notes; “It is exciting that the Office of the Arts has supported this project, showcasing Indigenous music with the magic of big band.”
Zero Emcee is a young energetic Noongar/Jingili rapper out of Beechboro Boorloo. Zero has been a hip-hop head since he was a kid, and ever since getting into music he’s never looked back. A huge part of both the community and music scene, Zero never fails to represent his culture with pride, skill and enthusiasm. Zero’s amazing stage presence, coupled with lyrics that are vivid and tell a story of a young black man trying to make sense of the world he lives in, will captivate.
Zero also mentors at Perth Creative College, as well as performs as an artist with Djinda Boodja. Djinda Boodja offers professional concerts and music workshops, art sessions and exhibitions, Noongar language classes, and a two-year federally funded Indigenous Contemporary Musician Mentorship Program in partnership with WAYJO. Read more at djindaboodja.org
WAYJO’s hitting horns, accompanied by special guest artists, plus electronic beats, will be a mighty combination. If you love the power of beats and rhythm – this night of Latino and Electro grooves is for you!
WAYJO’s guest artists appear thanks to WAYJO’s 2022 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
The collaboration with Djinda Boodja is made possible by funding from the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications: Office for the Arts – Indigenous Contemporary Music program.
WAYJO presents Beats and Pieces: From Latino to Electro
St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra with Adolfo Chavez, Marcus Perrozzi & Steve Richter – Plus WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra with Zero Emcee & Daniel Chandler
Friday 10 June, 7.30pm
The Rechabite, Northbridge
Tickets wayjo.com
WAYJO has chosen to use Humanitix for our 2022 ticketed season.
Humanitix are a registered charity offering 100% of profits from booking fees toward education programs for Young Girls and scholarships for Indigenous Australians.
Hashtags: #WAYJO2022 #RechabiteJazz #BigBand #Latin #HipHop #Indigenous #Collaboration
Photograph: Zero Emcee (management supplied)
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley, WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
2022 WAYJO Composer Residencies Announced
Now entering its fifteenth year, the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) Composer in Residence program is proud to announce its recipients for 2022.
Congratulations 24-year-old Composer in Residence Thomas Voss (SA), and 21-year-old Associate Composer Bob Tweedie (WA).
“We were again pleasantly surprised at the quality of applications this year for the 2022 Composer in Residence” states WAYJO Artistic Director, Dr Mace Francis. “Thomas showed us exceptional big band craft and mature writing. Bob showed us interesting and exciting compositional ideas that I am excited to see transferred to big band format. This is an exciting year for this project and I am looking forward to hearing and seeing the results.”
Thomas Voss is an Adelaide-based trombonist and composer/arranger who performs with and writes for a variety of local ensembles, including his own septet and big band. Thomas was selected as the lead trombonist for the 2021 and 2022 Australian National Jazz Orchestra Youth Big Bands, has performed in Adelaide’s 2019 International Jazz Day concert, and was the JazzSA Superbands 2019 Composer in Residence, also serving as the program’s coordinator since 2021. Thomas also won the 2017 Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition, and was a finalist in the 2017 James Morrison Scholarship.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been chosen as the 2022 WAYJO Composer-in-Residence, and very excited to have the opportunity to work with a program that has helped to train and advance so many fine musicians” says Thomas.
Bob Tweedie (WAYJO Member 2018-2022) is an enthusiastic young piano player who loves to play many kinds of music, but especially jazz. He is a graduating student of the WAAPA jazz course (Hons), teaches both privately and part-time at Santa Maria College, and keyboardist in WAYJO’s Wednesday Night Orchestra (WNO). Currently dabbling in synthesisers and electronics, Bob plays with local bands such as Ken Paolo and the Space Cadets, and Residents’ Club. Some notable performances include being featured at the 2021 Perth International Jazz Festival with Sam Forster, as well as alongside some of Perth’s best pianists at the Ellington Jazz Club’s Solo Piano Showcase.
“It’s a privilege to be able to work with WAYJO, an organisation that provides such high-quality opportunities to developing musicians. WAYJO has been one of the core pillars in Perth jazz community for many decades, and acted as a transition for amateur musicians to become professional gigging musicians” states Bob.
The WNO will record these exciting new works July at Loop Studios in West Perth. Applications for the WAYJO’s 2023 composer in residence program will open early next year. For more information, visit wayjo.com/composer-in-residence
Hashtags: #WAYJO2022 #WAYJOcir
Contacts
Mace Francis WAYJO Artistic Director
mace.francis@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
Justine Thornley WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
WAYJO Alumni join 2022 Australian National Youth Big Band
The results of the Australian National Jazz Orchestra (ANJO) Youth Big Band auditions have been announced, with two WAYJO alumni joining the ranks for 2022. WAYJO congratulates 23 year old saxophonist Jayden Blockley (WAYJO member 2013-16 & 2021) & 23 year old pianist Jackson Van Ballegooyen (WAYJO member 2014-16).
Having played music together since primary school, Jayden and Jackson’s musical connection spans over a decade. The pair studied jazz under mentor James Morrison and both performed as artists at Generations In Jazz, the largest Jazz festival in the Southern Hemisphere, performing alongside the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and jazz giants Gordon Goodwin, Joey DeFrancesco and Kurt Elling.
Both members of the duo command virtuosic control of their respective instruments and have a deep connection with the jazz tradition, which ranges from hard swinging jazz, to elegant, romantic ballads. They will perform at the Sydney International Jazz Festival, previously hosting ‘The Jazz Dinner’ at the Perth International Jazz Festival in 2021.
67 applications (VIC 19, NSW 21, QLD 8, WA 9, SA 9, TAS 1) were received from elite young jazz musicians aged 18-25 from all over Australia. Applicants recorded and submitted notated and improvised excerpts for a ‘blindfold’ audition by judges, which included ANJO Youth Big Band Artistic Directors, Nadje Noordhuis (NY), David Theak (NSW) and Mace Francis (WA), plus 2022 guest conductor/composer Vanessa Perica (VIC).
“I was blown away by the outstanding level of musicianship displayed by those who auditioned from across the country. We have some exciting new voices to watch out for. I can’t wait to work with this talented group in June!” - Vanessa Perica, 2022 ANJO Guest Artist.
ANJO participants travel to Sydney in early June for a 5-day project, including rehearsal intensive, sectionals, festival and club performances, and a video/audio recording for future broadcast. ANJO Youth Big Band has added a November season, which will see the band perform at the Perth International Jazz Festival for the first time, with further concerts to be announced.
For more information about ANJO, visit australiannationaljazzorchestra.com
Hashtag: #WAYJOalumni