WAYJO NC - A New Training Band in Perth's Northern Suburbs
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra is coming to Perth’s Northern Corridor to develop young musicians who have an interest in playing jazz and contemporary music styles on their instrument.
WAYJO NC is a new training orchestra 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.
Rehearsals will be in big band format, and involve learning phrasing, articulation and other basic improvisational techniques.
Included with regular rehearsals will be masterclasses, demonstrations, and mentoring from current WAYJO Members, WAAPA Students, plus experienced WAYJO Alumni.
Eligibility: School students Years 7 to 12 – no audition required.
Instruments: Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Guitar (limited places), Bass, Piano and Drums.
When: Tuesday evenings 6.30pm to 8.00pm, July 20 to September 21, 2021 (Term 3).
Location: St Stephen’s Music Department – Duncraig Campus (West of Hepburn Ave Freeway Exit) 100 Doveridge Drive Duncraig WA 6023.
Cost: $120 per Term (plus $7.69 booking fee).
Questions: For more information please visit wayjo.com – email admin@wayjo.com – or call (08) 9471 1950 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
WAYJO is an equal opportunity organisation – we support diversity and encourage all interested musicians to apply.
Registrations open 9.00am Monday 5 July and will close when all places are filled, or Monday 19 July at 5.00pm (whichever occurs first). With only 20 places available, you’d better book soon at wayjo.com/education/wayjonc
WAYJO’s Pathways Program is supported by Minderoo Foundation
and Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit message
Let WAYJO Take You on a Sonic Persian Carpet Ride in July
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) hits The Rechabite Hall, Saturday 10th July, with exciting newly commissioned works featuring special guests Kate Pass & the Kohesia Ensemble.
Blending jazz & Persian musical influences, Kate Pass has created something new, refreshing & very exciting. Kohesia Ensemble bring elements of the Persian Dastgah musical system in a special night of cross-cultural collaboration & freshly commissioned work simply not to be missed.
Kate Pass – Kohesia & the Far East Suite will explore non-western time structures and microtonal melodies, combining the sounds of Persian flute (ney), percussion (daf), lute (saz) and oud with 18-piece jazz orchestra for a truly unique experience.
WAYJO are proud to have commissioned Kate (WAYJO member 2009/10 & 2014), to now expand her ideas for big band with the Wednesday Night Orchestra (WNO).
“I’m really excited to collaborate with Wednesday Night orchestra on this project” says Kate. “Being an alumni WAYJO band member myself, it’s truly an honour to be commissioned to write for the band.
The program will feature several members of Kohesia Ensemble, including Esfandiar Shahmir on ney, Reza Mirzaei on saz, and Mike Zolker on oud.
I think this is the first time this combination of instruments has been joined by a big band, so it’s an incredible opportunity to create something new and unique. It’s also an opportunity for the members of Kohesia ensemble and myself to explore a different tonal palette.
The instruments of Wednesday Night Orchestra provide a wonderful variety of colours and textures, that allow us to re-imagine the Kohesia Ensemble sound, and expand upon our ideas in a way we haven’t done before.”
Tickets for this show are on sale through Humanitix, a registered charity offering 100% of profits from booking fees towards education programs for Young Girls, and scholarships for Indigenous Australians… yet another great reason to see this show.
Kate and the Kohesia Ensemble appear thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
WAYJO presents Kate Pass: Kohesia & the Far East Suite
Sat 10 Jul, 7.30pm
WAYJO WNO, with special guests Kate Pass and the Kohesia Ensemble
The Rechabite, Northbridge | Tickets wayjo.com
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #RechabiteJazz #KatePassKohesia
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley
WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
Photo of Kohesia Enemble by Josh Wells
2021 WAYJO Composer Residencies Announced
Now in its 14th 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’s Composer Residencies were chosen from a very competitive field of emerging composers from all over the country. The decision was extremely difficult this year, with so much exceptionally well written and creative music submitted for the panel to assess.
Congratulations to WAYJO 2021 Composer in Residence recipients Brendan Keller-Tuberg (ACT) and Reece Clark (WA).
Both composers will bring fresh and creative perspectives to their commissions, which you can hear premiered by the WAYJO WNO at The Modern Masters concert, with special guest Jamie Oehlers, Friday 22 October at Lyric Lane.
For more information about WAYJO’s annual composer in residence program and commissioning, please visit wayjo.com/composer-in-residence
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
Classic, Contemporary & Commissioned Jazz in June
WAYJO are back with Jazz at The Maj, presenting Basie & Beyond – A Journey Through Jazz Downstairs at The Maj 11-12 June.
Let WAYJO take you on a bold jazz journey from Basie and into the big band beyond! Enjoy classic jazz repertoire, artfully paired with reinvented contemporary standards, presented by the WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra (MNO). The second half features the Wednesday Night Orchestra (WNO) premiering exciting new works by WAYJO alumni Alana Macpherson, commissioned by the Minderoo Foundation.
WNO bring to life a set of all new music by the Downbeat award-winning composer and arranger. The music, inspired by the composer’s reflections on Australia, was composed during several lockdowns in Europe throughout 2020. This is a unique opportunity to see Alana Macpherson in action shaping the music that was composed specifically for the orchestra.
Alana is a Perth born is a saxophonist and composer currently based in Graz, Austria. Following the 2019 release of her debut album “All or Nothing At All”, Macpherson won the Downbeat Student Music Award for Large Ensemble Arrangement, as well as the 2018 WAM awards for “Best Brass/Woodwind/Strings Instrumentalist” and “Best Live Jazz Act”. She has toured with Emil Spanyi (Hungary), performed with the Vine Street Horns (Phil Collins), KUG Jazz Orchestra, Graz Composer’s Orchestra, James Morrison Big Band, and the Evan Sherman Big Band, among others. Macpherson has performed her works at the Perth International Jazz Festival, King Street Corner Pocket Jazz Festival, and Jazzwerkstatt Festival (Austria).
There’s something for all contemporary and jazz music fans in this bold big band program simply not to be missed.
Tickets to all Jazz at The Maj shows, including the The Golden Age of Swing in August, are available from ptt.wa.gov.au/wayjo
Alana appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
What people are saying about Alana’s Music;
“Alana is not only is an excellent saxophone player, but she is finding her own unique voice as a composer, arranger and band-leader. She’s a fan of Bob Brookmeyer’s music and you can hear a clear continuation of his concepts in her writing.” – Ed Partyka 2019
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #JazzAtTheMaj #BasieAndBeyond
Act Belong Commit Jazz at The Maj for Schools
Students and teachers may also enjoy a special 1-hour school concert-workshop with Alana, Friday 11 June, 3.00pm.
School workshops are great value at just $15 (+bf) per student or teacher/parent – plus you receive 1 complimentary ticket per 9 purchased. School bookings can only be made by calling Perth Theatre Trust group bookings on 6212 9291, or email groups@ptt.wa.gov.au
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #ActBelongCommit #JazzSchool #BasieAndBeyond
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley
WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
Photos by Simon Reithofer, Reithofer Media
Make Mother’s Day with Jazz at The Maj – Oh, Lady Be Good!
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) are excited to return to His Majesty’s Theatre for 2021.
Opening a season of three Jazz at The Maj shows for the year, Oh, Lady Be Good makes a songful entrance Downstairs at The Maj 7-8 May – just in time for the Mother’s Day weekend.
Take a Quickstep back into a bygone era of style and glamour! Join special guest vocalist Victoria Newton (WAYJO member 1987-89), the WAYJO Tuesday Night Orchestra plus all three of the big band vocalists, for this showcase of beloved big band vocal repertoire.
Victoria has serenaded audiences across the world with her style, technique and humour. Now head of jazz voice at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, she’s worked the London jazz scene, collaborated with Acid-Jazz legend the late Ronny Jordan, and supported Terence Blanchard at the Jazz Café with her quartet.
Enjoy this show at the historic Greenwich Club site – now Downstairs at The Maj – nestled beneath Perth’s iconic His Majesty’s Theatre. Escape the hustle and bustle of the CBD to indulge in the relaxed and revamped Downstairs Bar, with cosy cabaret-style seating, plus fascinating foyer displays from the Museum of Performing Arts Collection.
WAYJO’s last show at The Maj was a sell-out, so best book those tickets soon - and don’t forget to treat Mum too!
You can subscribe & save $10 per adult priced ticket by purchasing all three WAYJO Jazz at The Maj shows in the same transaction; 7-8 May: Oh, Lady Be Good | 11-12 June: Basie & Beyond | 6-7 August: The Golden Age of Swing - head to ptt.wa.gov.au/wayjo
Victoria appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
What people are saying about Victoria;
“A fabulous strong clear voice with a great sense of time and an even greater sense of fun!” - Steve Rubie, 606 Club, London
“Deeply into the music, a real jazz singer” - Brian Blain, Jazz UK
“A jazz singer a cut above the crowd” - John Fordham, The Guardian, UK
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #JazzAtTheMaj #OhLadyBeGood
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley
WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
WAYJO Act Belong Commit Regional Tour 2021 presents Basie & Beyond
WAYJO are coming to Margaret River HEART, Wednesday 5th May – and Bunbury BREC, Friday 7th May – for two free community concerts for all the family.
Let the WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra take you on a bold jazz journey from Basie and into the big band beyond…
Enjoy classic big band repertoire, artfully paired with reinvented contemporary jazz standards, plus premiere exciting commissions by WAYJO’s alumni composer Alana Macpherson on her recent return from Austria.
Due to the year that was 2020, our band members have been retained into 2021. Because of this, our MNO is now a tight knit musical family, performing bigger and better than ever before!
There’s something for all contemporary and jazz music fans in this bold big band program that’s simply not to be missed. WAYJO have travelled nearly 300km to play before a audiences in the South West – so don’t miss out!
WAYJO thanks Healthway Act Belong Commit for supporting our Regional Touring program.
PLEASE NOTE: these are FREE community concerts with admission for ticket holders only as venue numbers are restricted.
Wed 5 May, 7.30pm
Margaret River HEART
47 Wallcliffe Rd, Margaret River
Limited Free tickets only from margaretriverheart.com.au – (08) 9780 5294.
Fri 7 May, 7.30pm
Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre (BREC)
2 Blair St, Bunbury
Limited Free tickets only from bunburyentertainment.com – 1300 661 272.
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #WAYJOregional #ActBelongCommit #BasieAndBeyond
Jump into Jazz at the 2021 WAYJO Season Launch
Since 1983, the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) has been at the forefront of Australia’s emerging jazz performers, conductors and composers. The 2021 season offering is no exception, bringing together traditional and contemporary jazz to familiar venues Downstairs at The Maj and The Quarry Amphitheatre, and introducing new vibes at The Rechabite and Lyric’s Lane.
This bold program showcases the MinterEllison Monday, plus Tuesday and Wednesday Night Orchestras, demonstrating the versatile possibilities of the big band format. It is a season with something for everyone, spanning traditional repertoire at The Golden Age of Swing in August, through to an upbeat dancing selection at A Latin Explosion in September.
WAYJO are also proud to present commissioned work by alumni Kate Pass in a world music collaboration with Kate Pass and the Kohesia Ensemble, presenting a Persian spin on big band music in July.
Freshly commissioned big band and jazz ensemble works also spring to life at The Modern Masters show in October, with internationally renowned saxophonist, and Associate Dean of Music at WAAPA, Dr Jamie Oehlers.
The season closes in November at The Quarry Amphitheatre in an awe-inspiring collaboration with the WAAPA Jazz and Gospel Choirs.
2021 promises tight knit ensemble work in a bold season of shows from March to November. Tickets will be on sale to the public from 10.00am, Monday 29 March.
WAYJO invites you to Jump in to Jazz in a season launch at the Lyric Lane Block Party, Saturday 27 March from 4.00pm. Get there early to secure a spot, grab a season brochure, and be among the first to witness the 2021 line-ups. This is a Free Community Event at a licensed venue; 18+ with ID or minors to be accompanied by guardians.
For more information, please visit wayjo.com
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #WAYJOBlockParty
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
WAYJO thanks continuing Government Partner, the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries, Lotterywest, Principal Partner North West Shelf Gas, Major Programs Partner Minderoo Foundation, Monday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner MinterEllison, St John of God Healthcare and Healthway Act Belong Commit.
WAYJO Celebrate 7-Years of 'Young Women in Jazz' for International Women’s Day
Celebrating a return for its seventh year in Western Australia, WAYJO’s Young Women in Jazz (YWIJ) is an 8-week workshop program open to female identifying instrumentalists aged 14 - 25 who have an interest in jazz and improvised music.
Starting May 1, Saturday afternoon workshops are conducted at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (on the ECU Mt Lawley campus) in small groups by leading female educators, WAYJO Alumnae, plus special guest artists. The workshops culminate in a public concert at the Ellington Jazz Club, giving all participants the chance to explore their newly found skills before an audience in a professional venue.
“In the short time this course has been running we've seen a number of participants go onto successfully audition for the three WAYJO bands, plus audition and graduate for the WAAPA jazz course. We've had amazing guest artists in the past, and this year is no exception with pianist Sue Bluck and saxophonist Alana Macpherson joining us” states program coordinator Gemma Farrell.
“This course suits young women who are new to improvisation, plus more experienced musicians wanting to add to their skill set. It provides young, female identifying people with the opportunity to meet, rehearse, and learn in a judgement-free space, and as a result, we've already seen more women going on to study jazz. Young Women in Jazz is helping to address the gender imbalance in the Perth jazz scene, and is integral for the future of our scene."
Registrations for Young Women in Jazz 2021 do not require audition, and close Friday 30 April, 2021 at 5.00pm AWST.
For more information about WAYJO’s Young Women in Jazz program, please visit wayjo.com/young-women-in-jazz
WAYJO acknowledges program partners SIMA (Sydney Improvised Music Association), St John of God Health Care, and venue support from the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (Edith Cowan University).
The WAYJO Education Program is supported by Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit message.
Media Link: https://wayjo.com/2021-young-women-in-jazz
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #YoungWomenInJazz #ActBelongCommit #IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge
Contacts:
Gemma Farrell
WAYJO YWIJ Program Coordinator
education@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
Justine Thornley
WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
2021 WAYJO Composer Residencies Open
2021 WAYJO Composer Residencies Open
Since its launch in 2008, the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) Composer in Residence program has commissioned new frontiers in jazz ensemble works from emerging Australian composers.
Annually offering young writers generous commissions and artistic mentorship to develop fresh jazz works for new audiences, while enhancing arranging and conducting skills, WAYJO supports two emerging composers to develop works, between 6-8 minutes in length, for 18-piece big band.
The $2K Associate and $4k Composer residency programs are run under the guidance of WAYJO’s Artistic Director, Dr Mace Francis (winner – 2015 APRA/AMCOS Jazz Work of the Year and international Scrivere in Jazz prize; finalist – Freedman Jazz Fellowship; 2017 Prelude Gallop House Composer Residency).
“The opportunity to write for a regularly rehearsing big band is one that does not come along too often” states Dr Mace Francis. “It allows you to write with courage and try bold and challenging ideas. Each of the young composers who have participated in this program have gone on to create great bands, recordings, and contributed their voice to the Australian jazz scene.”
This is a rare opportunity for composers to create new music for a big band without major creative restrictions or boundaries. Forward thinking, creative ways in which to utilise a big band’s instrumentation, personnel and skills (as largely doubling instrumentalists), are all openly encouraged to help the art form move forward.
Previous recipients around Australia include Rafael Karlen (QLD), Alice Humphries (WA), Jenna Cave (NSW), Andrew Murray (VIC), Brodie McAllister (QLD), Elliott Hughes (VIC), Tim Newhouse (WA), Rafael Jerjen (NSW), Joshua Hatcher (QLD), Scott van Gemert (VIC), and Des Cannings (NSW).
Applications open 9.00am Monday 8 March, 2021 - and close Friday 30 April, 2021 at 5.00pm AWST.
For more information about WAYJO’s composer in residence program and commissioning, please visit wayjo.com/composer-in-residence
#WAYJO2021 #WAYJOCiR
WAYJO Management Vacancies
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) are currently advertising two management positions.
Links to apply for these roles are publicly available from wayjo.com/opportunities
WAYJO General Manager
Applications are sought from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the role of General Manager.
Responsible for overall financial and strategic performance, this will be an on-going, full-time position subject to an initial 3-month probationary period.
Demonstrated leadership, communication, advocacy skills, a broad understanding of business development, fundraising and revenue generation in the arts industry, as well as knowledge of the not-for-profit arts sector, are required.
Please direct any queries to WAYJO Board Chair Simon Durack – simon.durack@wayjo.com
Applications for General Manager close Monday 8 March, 2021 at 9.00am AWST.
WAYJO Events & Logistics Manager
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra is seeking an Events and Logistics Manager. This part-time role, reporting to the General Manager, is responsible for managing all logistics of the three WAYJO bands, including event preparation, venue booking, regional tour coordination and more.
The role would suit applicants with experience in the music and arts industry with skills in administration and/or event production.
Please direct any queries to WAYJO General Manager Simon Keen – simon.keen@wayjo.com
Applications for Events & Logistics Manager close Monday 15 March, 2021 at 9.00am AWST.