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
2020 WAYJO Internship
Looking to gain experience behind the scenes in the arts sector, or know someone who might be?
WAYJO is on the hunt for an intern for 2020! Our internships provide hands on experience in how a busy arts organisation runs.
WAYJO runs roughly 50 events per year including a major festival, international exchange programs, school workshops and performances, regional tours and corporate performances.
If you are enthusiastic about the arts, organised and think you have something to offer WAYJO, then please send Jess an email at admin@wayjo.com by 5pm, Wednesday 22 January, 2020.
Ideally we are looking for people with some experience in Photoshop or InDesign, studying Marketing or Administration, and have a passion for the arts. As a bonus, our intern has the opportunity to see performances and gain important networks in the arts industry.
* Please note this is an unpaid Internship, with up to one day a week workload *
- Photo by Josh Wells
WAYJO 2020 Composer in Residence Applications Open
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) is offering two young jazz composers paid, professional development opportunities to develop new works and enhance music writing and conducting skills. Such opportunities are rarely offered in Australia.
WAYJO continues to support composers and generate original Australian content through its unique Composer-in-Residence program, presented for the twelfth consecutive year in 2020.
WAYJO's Composer in Residence program annually supports two young, emerging composers to develop new works for large jazz ensemble, offering both generous commission fees and artistic mentorship.
The program is run under the guidance of WAYJO’s Artistic Director, Dr Mace Francis (winner – APRA/AMCOS Jazz Work of the Year and international Scrivere in Jazz prize; finalist – Freedman Jazz Fellowship; nominee – Jazz ‘Bell’ Awards).
"Working with talented young Australian composers to bring their new works to life is a highlight in the WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra calendar. I am always amazed at what young people can create when they work together in a safe, focused and creative space. I look forward to hearing what is created again in 2020." - Dr Mace Francis.
Opportunities
COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE is open to any jazz composer aged 30 years or younger (as at 1st January 2020), residing in Australia. $4,000 is offered to develop three new, original compositions. Flights and accommodation included (unless a resident of the Perth metropolitan area).
ASSOCIATE COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE is open to any jazz composer aged 21 years or younger (as at 1st January 2020), residing in Western Australia. $2,000 is offered the Associate to develop two new, original compositions.
Both positions offer professional advice and mentoring, opportunities to rehearse and perform with WAYJO’s premier 18-piece big band, and an opportunity to premier the works at the 2020 King St Corner Pocket Jazz Festival.
This program is open to all Australian composers (citizens and permanent residents). Successful applicants will be required to compose the works (each six to eight minutes in duration) by Monday June 8, 2020, for performance by the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Wednesday Night Orchestra.
Deadline
Applications open Monday 18 November, 2019 and close Friday 17 January, 2020 at 5.00pm AWST. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 24 January, 2020.
Please Note: The WAYJO offices will be closed for the holidays Friday 20 December, 2019 to Wednesday 8 January, 2020.
Find Out More
For more information, please visit wayjo.com/composer-in-residence, or contact the WAYJO office during business hours on +61 8 9471 1950.
Media Contact
Justine Thornley, WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
WAYJO 2019-20 Assistant Music Director Appointment
After a public call-out and rigorous selection process, the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) is proud to announce Christopher Musitano has been selected as Assistant Music Director for 2019-20, commencing September.
Proudly supported by the Simon Lee Foundation, the Assistant Music Director program offers a mentoring traineeship for a young and emerging musical director. The program is a rare opportunity for emerging band leaders to develop skills in conducting a large orchestral band, programming repertoire for an 18-piece big band, and develop the leadership skills required to inspire and enhance the skills and experience of band members.
WAYJO’s Artistic Director Dr Mace Francis selected Chris from a strong field of applications. “Chris has spent a long time with WAYJO as a musician, coming up through all the bands. This experience as Assistant Music Director will give Chris another perspective and set of skills he can take to his teaching and into the industry. We congratulate Chris on this appointment and welcome him back to the WAYJO family.”
Chris, who performed with WAYJO for 8-years, brings substantial knowledge and experience to the role, with a BA in Music Studies and Specialist Music Studies, and BMus (Hons) in Music - Jazz Performance.
“I applied for the role as I had seen the opportunities and growth that this position has allowed for those who have previously held it, especially during my time as a player in WAYJO. Getting to be on the conductor’s side of a band such as WAYJO is an opportunity not to be missed.”
“In addition to getting the experience of directing a big band, I am hoping that the position of Assistant Music Director opens me up to lots of new music and sounds that I haven’t heard before. Getting to hear new composers and players will allow me to better inform my own composing, teaching, and playing which will, in turn, help me to take on this position to the best of my ability.”
“I believe that WAYJO is an important musical institution in the Perth music scene as it fosters young talent while opening up young musicians to opportunities and music that they might not be exposed to in high school or university. Speaking personally, it helped and allowed me to grow in skill as a player, to meet and eventually play music with new friends, and fostered a love of jazz and big band music that then informed the direction of my career.”
“I think this position is important because it not only gives experience in running a band, but also gives those who have previously played in the band an opportunity to give back to the organization who helped them to get there in the first place.”
Applications for this paid traineeship position are invited annually. Head to wayjo.com, and subscribe to WAYJO eNews, to stay informed about all upcoming opportunities within the orchestras and organisation.
#WAYJO2019 #MusicTraineeship
Media Contact
Justine Thornley
WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 (0)8 9471 1950
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
WAYJO 2019-20 Assistant Music Director Applications Open
Proudly supported by the Simon Lee Foundation, the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) Assistant Music Director program offers a mentoring traineeship for a young and emerging musical director.
The program offers the opportunity to develop skills in conducting a large orchestral band, programming repertoire for an 18-piece big band, and developing the leadership skills required to inspire and enhance the skills and experience of band members.
By offering artistic and industry expertise and world-class rehearsal and performance opportunities, WAYJO provides a framework for emerging jazz musicians and composers to become successful professionals.
WAYJO have opened applications for this position to fill 1 September 2019 to 31 December 2019. Applications close Friday 23 August 2019, 9.00AM AWST.
Head to the WAYJO Assistant Musical Director page for details and application form.
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 Composer in Residence Applications Open
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) is offering young jazz composers paid, professional development opportunities to develop new works and enhance writing and conducting skills.
Through its unique Composer-in-Residence programs, WAYJO annually supports two young, emerging composers to develop new works for large jazz ensemble, offering both generous commission fees and artistic mentorship. Such opportunities are rarely offered in Australia.
The programs are run under the guidance of WAYJO’s Artistic Director, Dr Mace Francis (winner – APRA/AMCOS Jazz Work of the Year and international Scrivere in Jazz prize; finalist – Freedman Jazz Fellowship; nominee – Jazz ‘Bell’ Awards).
COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE is open to any jazz composer aged 30 years or younger (as at 1st January 2019), residing in Australia. $5,000 is offered to develop three new, original compositions. Flights and accommodation included (unless a resident of the Perth metropolitan area).
ASSOCIATE COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE is open to any jazz composer aged 21 years or younger (as at 1st January 2019), residing in Western Australia. $2,000 is offered the Associate to develop two new, original compositions.
Both positions offer professional advice and mentoring, opportunities to rehearse and perform with WAYJO’s premier 18-piece big band, and an opportunity to premier the works at the 2019 King St Corner Pocket Jazz Festival.
This program is open to all Australian composers (citizens and permanent residents). Successful applicants will be required to compose the works (each six to eight minutes in duration) by Monday 3 June 2019, for performance by the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Wednesday Night Orchestra.
Applications open Friday 1 February, 2019 and close Friday 1 March, 2019 at 5.00pm AWST. No extensions will be offered or late applications accepted. Submission of the Application Form, plus up to 3 original composition scores and recordings, are required before the closing date. Successful applicants will be notified by Fri 15 March, 2019.
For more information, 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.