2022 WAYJO Act Belong Commit Band Auditions Open

The 2022 WAYJO Act Belong Commit Band Auditions are now open for people wishing to participate in the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) this coming year.

Musicians interested in learning jazz performance and improvised big band music, aged 14-25 (28 if in full-time study) and able to rehearse in Perth during 2022, are encouraged to apply.

Barring last year, where members were offered continuation due to the COVD pandemic disruption to events and rehearsing, all performer positions are vacated and auditioned annually.

A total of fifty-four places are available within three big bands – the MinterEllison Monday, plus Tuesday and Wednesday Night Orchestras. All three 18-piece bands are each auditioning for Saxophones (2x Alto, 2x Tenor & 1x Baritone), 4x Trumpets, Trombones (3x Tenor & 1x Bass), 1x Guitar, 1x Bass, 1x Piano, 1x Drum Kit, plus 1x Vocalist.

Running 2-5 December, audition dates and times are allocated on a first come first served basis. Aspiring band members are encouraged to register early for their preferred time.

Auditions and band rehearsals are held at WAYJO’s rehearsal studio in the historic Maylands Hall, located corner Eighth Avenue and Guildford Road – close to public transport, with parking also available along Eighth Avenue.

WAYJO offers an incredibly unique experience to members, including opportunities to perform a diverse range of jazz at some of Perth’s best venues, tour regionally, nationally and internationally (health advisories permitting), plus the chance to work with an array of highly talented and renown guest artists.

As one of Western Australia’s oldest performing arts companies, WAYJO continues to build the future of Australian jazz, offering outstanding opportunities for emerging jazz performers, composers and band leaders.

At the forefront of forging professional, contemporary big band, ensemble and solo jazz artists since 1983, WAYJO’s impressive alumnus includes international jazz luminaries Linda May Han Oh, Dane Alderson, Troy Roberts and Mat Jodrell.

Registrations for 2022 WAYJO auditions are now online, closing 5.00pm, Friday 19 November only if not filled prior.

Visit wayjo.com/audition for all requirements and registration link, however don’t delay, as audition places booked out fast in the past!

The WAYJO Education Program is supported by Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit message.

#WAYJO2022 #WAYJOauditions #ActBelongCommit


WAYJO NC - A New Training Band in Perth's Northern Suburbs

REGISTRATIONS FOR WAYJO NC TERM 3 ARE NOW FULL, WAITLIST OPEN VIA EMAIL.

Thank you for your interest in the brand new WAYJO NC training band with the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra. Uptake of this program has exceeded our expectations and unfortunately registrations for Term 3 are now full.

If you are interested in going on the waitlist please email admin@wayjo.com
and be sure to signup to WAYJO enews to stay informed!

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


Reece Clark (left) & Brendan Keller-Tuberg (right)

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


WAYJO Photo

WAYJO Club 2021 Semester Two

WAYJO Club Page

WAYJO Club is an exciting new opportunity introduced 2021 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.

NO AUDITION is required to take part, WAYJO Club is open to all young musicians with a basic understanding of music.

Delivered as a combination of both online and in-person sessions (pandemic advisories permitting), WAYJO Club offers access to networks, resources, content, open rehearsals and jazz day-camps.

Try your hand at playing big band music, section work, improvisation, plus meet and network with other young jazz musicians, while learning from some of the best jazz educators WA has to offer!

With the year is divided into two separate semester programs – WAYJO now have a limited number of registrations available for second semester;

SEMESTER 2

  • August 3: Online Resources Sent
  • September 7: Online Resources Sent
  • September 12: Jazz Camp
  • September 20: Invitation to an open rehearsal with the Monday Night Orchestra
  • October 5: Online Resources Sent
  • October 17: Jazz Camp and Audition Preparation
  • November 2: Online Resources Sent
  • November 17: Invitation to an open rehearsal with the Wednesday Night Orchestra

WAYJO CLUB FEES

  • Single Semester: $150 (plus $9.34 booking fee)

2021 WAYJO Club second semester registrations open 9.00am Tuesday 1 June 2021, and close 5.00pm Tuesday 20 July 2021 – only if not filled prior (as places are limited)!

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT WAYJO CLUB

“[My son] had the best time! He said it was a brilliant day. There’s been a lot of new jazz compositions and jamming happening in our home since!”

“[My daughter] had a GREAT time yesterday and was talking about it for ages, she can’t wait to audition to join when the time comes but for now looking forward to the rest of WAYJO Club and Young Women in Jazz.”

WAYJO’s Education Program is supported by Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit message

 

WAYJO Club is also supported by Major Programs Partner Minderoo Foundation


Young Women in Jazz 2019

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

 

Click to download printable PDF poster
Click to download printable PDF poster

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.


WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra 2019

WAYJO Announces 2020 Sponsor a Seat Opportunity

Sponsor a Seat

Give the gift of music by sponsoring one of Perth’s finest young jazz musicians.

For over 35 years, the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra has been an integral part of Perth’s cultural landscape. WAYJO has been at the forefront of forging professional, contemporary big band, ensemble and solo jazz artists since 1983, with an impressive alumna including international jazz luminaries Linda May Han Oh, Dane Alderson, Troy Roberts and Mat Jodrell.

WAYJO is a unique, not-for-profit organisation, showcasing 54 rising stars across not one but three big bands, each with a unique focus on their own eras of jazz repertoire, including bold new Australian works annually commissioned by the orchestra.

15 saxophonists; 12 trumpeters; 12 trombonists; plus 3 guitarists, pianists, bassist, drummers and vocalists, are all auditioned annually for each highly coveted seat. WAYJO musicians have the opportunity to hone skills by working with professional musical directors, to perform in Perth’s top venues, work with high calibre guest artists, take part in international exchanges, all while forming professional relationships that can last a lifetime.

Performing at community and corporate events, touring regionally and offering school concerts and workshops, these musicians are dedicated to their craft, and work towards reaching their greatest potential as early-career musicians, and contributors to society.

WAYJO contributes approximately $12,000 per seat in developing each of its 54 band members annually, with Government funding covering less than 15%.

Sponsoring a Seat brings much needed funds, while offering a personal connection with one of our talented musicians throughout the year. By supporting a performer, you directly share in the growth your contribution makes.

$500 Orchestra Seat Sponsors, paid one off or in quarterly instalments; all benefit with:

  • two complimentary tickets to a WAYJO performance, the first at the beginning of the year and the second at the end of the year, so you can experience the amazing transformation our programs make to artists;
  • the chance to meet your sponsored orchestra member during interval at a WAYJO performance;
  • invitation to a WAYJO open rehearsal, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make the music;
  • a short, personalised thank you video from the WAYJO musician you have sponsored;
  • a personalised thank you letter from our Artistic Director, Mace Francis, at the start of the year, outlining the annual program;
  • two letters from the corresponding band’s Music Director, outlining the progress of the band in June, and sharing their band’s successes at the end of the year;
  • optional recognition as an Orchestra Seat Sponsor in the WAYJO season brochure, on the WAYJO website, and on social media.

This is your chance to be a real part of WAYJO, and leave a lasting legacy with one of Western Australia’s longest lived and vibrant arts companies.

For more information on how you can help support this unique organisation and the opportunities it provides, please visit wayjo.com/support

 

Hashtags: #WAYJO2020 #SponsorASeat

WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra
WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra at the Quarry Amphitheatre. Photograph by Rick Mason (2019).


King St Corner Pocket Festival 2020 Applications

In line with Government directions on the COVID-19 pandemic, WAYJO cancelled all public activities and rehearsals from 23 March until public gathering restrictions are lifted.

Tickets for all cancelled events will be refunded.

To maintain required physical distancing, WAYJO staff are not in the office at present, but working from home and still available via email.

If you are concerned about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we encourage you to take a look at our resources page, including official links such as health.wa.gov.au on how best to avoid infection or spread, plus mental health resources from Beyond Blue.

This is a difficult time for WAYJO, and we would greatly appreciate, if you are able, any donation to help us through the current situation. Please visit wayjo.com/support for ways in which you can support our work.

We are looking forward to being back with our programs when safe, and hope that you continue to be part of our family of supporters and friends. See you at a WAYJO event as soon as we can!

King St Corner Pocket Festival 2020 Call Out for Performers

Perth and Western Australia host some of the most outstanding jazz talent in the country. King St Corner Pocket showcases these exceptional local artists, emerging and established, in a fun filled 3 night festival, where you don’t have to walk more than 50 meters to discover a new sound.

The Festival, now in its third consecutive year, runs Thursday 30 July to Saturday 1 August in Perth.

Over fifty 45-50 minute performance slots are on offer for local improvised and jazz musical acts to perform at His Majesty’s Theatre, plus other exciting activated venues in and around King Street.

West Australian based performers interested in performing at the festival can apply from Tuesday 18 February, 9.00am. Applications close Friday 20 March 2020, 5.00pm AWST.

Applicants will be notified application outcomes by mid-April, with the full festival line up announcement in May.

King Street Corner Pocket Jazz Festival is supported by the City of Perth.

For more information about the King Street Corner Pocket Jazz Festival, please visit cornerpocket.com.au

 

2020 Festival Partners

King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
King St Corner Pocket 2019
PlayPause
previous arrow
next arrow
 


Des Cannings

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

 

Des Cannings - WAYJO 2020 Composer in Residence
Des Cannings - 2020 WAYJO Composer in Residence

 

Maddie Ivy - 2020 WAYJO Associate 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