Global Recognition: WAYJO band member and alumni head overseas

WAYJO always enjoys hearing the success stories of our band members, guest artists, and alumni, and so we are thrilled to share news from two former and current band members. 

Our Wednesday Night Orchestra lead alto, Holly Forster, has been accepted to go on exchange to the prestigious Frost School of Music in Miami this year! She’ll be following in the path of many of our great alumni who have studied there including Troy Roberts, Tim Jago, Daniel Susnjar, Jeremy Greig, Matt Smith, and Catherine Noblet. Holly is currently in her 3rd year of a Bachelor of Music studying jazz saxophone at WAAPA and has been a dedicated member of WAYJO since 2018.

Former WAYJO member and current Progressions tutor, bassist Kate Pass, has been awarded a scholarship to complete a Master of Music at The New School’s College of Performing Arts in New York, as part of the Performer-Composer program.

We wish Holly and Kate every success as they go abroad for further jazz education.


WAYJO NC 2022 with John Morrison

WAYJO NC Celebrates First Birthday with Two Great Concerts

Happy 1st Birthday WAYJO NC!

The WAYJO NC, training band for the Northern Corridor, started midway through 2021. Despite being amid a pandemic, enthusiasm for this new band was high.

WAYJO NC Program Coordinator Adrian Hicks wanted to give an opportunity to students in the Northern Suburbs of Perth to learn and explore playing Big Band Jazz. “Many schools, struggle to provide these types of opportunities to their students as they simply don’t have the numbers” says Adrian.

Enter WAYJO, Minderoo Foundation, and the start of a wonderful collaboration.

A year on and the band has now developed into a full-size big band with skills to participate in its first WA Schools Jazz Band Festival this month. To give the best opportunity for the students to learn it was suggested to share MD duties term-by-term and so far the members have had with other WAYJO Alumni Alex Parkinson and Jess Herbert, both of which have used their expertise to improve the musical outcomes of the ensemble.

The band has also had some special workshops such as when WAYJO TNO, directed by Marty Pervan, joined a rehearsal to give the students an experience they would never forget – two big bands in one room! Recently, John Morrison also provided the players with his many years of experience too.

Band Members have really grown and developed their ensemble and sight-reading skills and over the past year. Some had never improvised, read jazz music, or played together in this style of band before – and now, not only has their confidence grown they have started to make lifelong friendships.

It is a real treat to see this develop before our eyes. All in all, a jam-packed inaugural year for Perth’s newest young Big Band.

Catch the WAYJO NC upcoming performance in August and September;

2022 WA Schools Jazz Festival
Sunday 14 August
WA Academy of Performing Arts (ECU) – Edith Spiegeltent
Tickets only at the venue

The Trombone: Big Band Backbone – Act Belong Commit Concert
Friday 16 September
Prendiville Catholic College – Redmond Theatre
Tickets through WAYJO

You can find out more and get involved at wayjo.com/education/wayjonc – plus check out our other Act Belong Commit concerts wayjo.com/education/concert-for-schools

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



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.


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.


2022 WAYJO Composer in Residence Thomas Voss & Associate Bob Tweedie

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

2022 WAYJO Composer in Residence Thomas Voss & Associate Bob Tweedie
2022 WAYJO Composer in Residence Thomas Voss (pictured left), and Associate Composer Bob Tweedie (pictured right).

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


2021 Young Women in Jazz Concert

WAYJO Celebrates Young Women in Jazz and International Women’s Day 2022

On International Women’s Day, WAYJO celebrates eight years of presenting the Young Women in Jazz in Western Australia - an 8-week workshop program open to female identifying instrumentalists aged 14 - 25 who have an interest in jazz and improvised music.

“This course suits young women who are new to improvisation, plus more experienced musicians wanting to add to their skill set. It is a series of workshops for young women and people of marginalised genders to learn about jazz improvisation and small ensemble performance alongside likeminded peers and supportive, experienced tutors.” Program coordinator Gemma Farrell.

Starting April 30, Saturday afternoon workshops will be 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 workshop culminates in the exploration of newly found skills before an audience at Lyric’s Underground, Sunday 26 June.

"I really liked how it was a comfortable, ensemble environment where it was okay and accepted to make mistakes. During the workshops, my ensemble would always crack jokes, but rehearse efficiently and learn about the different ways to approach jazz standards and improvisation. During the workshops we had some really cool guest artists visit like Jessica Carlton, Talya Valenti, Alana Macpherson, and Sue Bluck.… I made some great connections with people that I now play with at gigs, and will go on to study with at WAAPA." 2021 participant, Valentina Macias.

Registrations for Young Women in Jazz 2022 do not require audition and now close Friday 22 April, 5.00pm AWST - only if not filled prior. Places are limited to 50 participants, so book soon to avoid disappointment.

For more information about WAYJO’s Young Women in Jazz  program, please visit wayjo.com/young-women-in-jazz

Young Women in Jazz is part of WAYJO’s Pathways Education Program, supported by Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit message, and our Major Partner Minderoo Foundation



WAYJO also 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).


Hashtags: #WAYJO2022 #YoungWomenInJazz #ActBelongCommit #IWD2022 #BreakTheBias
Photograph: 2021 Young Women in Jazz Concert by Izzy La Cunza

 

Click image 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


2022 WAYJO Pathways Education and Composer in Residence Programs Open

WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) returns for 2022 with four fantastic opportunities for young West Australian musicians.

WAYJO’s Act Belong Commit Pathways Program offers a chance to explore jazz music, or learn more about auditioning for the band. Three audition-free, inclusive workshops 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. Registrations for Semester One close Monday 7 February, 9.00am.
  • 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. It runs semester one and two, with a discount offered for participation both semesters. Registrations close Tuesday 22 February, 5.00pm.
  • Young Women in Jazz is an 8-week workshop program open to female identifying instrumentalists aged 14-25 who have an interest in exploring jazz and improvised music in a like-minded, judgement-free space. Registrations close Monday 11 April, 5.00pm.

WAYJO’s Pathways Education Program is supported by Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit message, and our Major Partner Minderoo Foundation. Head to wayjo.com/education for more information and registration details.

WAYJO's Composer in Residence Program is also open for applications, supporting two emerging composers to develop new works for a large jazz ensemble with generous commission fees, artistic mentorship, and professional recordings of the new works. Applications for both positions close Tuesday 1 March, 5.00pm;

  • Composer in Residence is open to any composer aged 30 years or younger (as at 1st January 2022), residing in Australia, offering $2,000 for two original big band works.
  • Associate Composer in Residence is open to any jazz composer aged 21 years or younger (as at 1st January 2022), residing in Western Australia, offering $1,200 for two original big band works.

Head to wayjo.com/get-involved/composer-in-residence for more information and to apply.

With so many opportunities on offer for young musicians, WAYJO's 2022 season promises to offer something for both jazz aficionados and those new to the genre. Stay tuned to wayjo.com for more details soon, as the season program launches Sunday 20 March at Lyric Lane in Maylands.

 

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, MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner, St John of God Healthcare Tuesday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner, and Healthway Act Belong Commit.

 

Photograph by Adrian Hicks.


Young Women in Jazz 2019

Young Women in Jazz 2021 - SOLD OUT

Due to COVID restrictions in June, the original concert had to be postponed.

If you had tickets for the show on June 27, they remain valid for this show September 12 - you do not need to do anything.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to attend September 12, please contact The Ellington Jazz Club directly - ellingtonjazz.com.au/contact

Thank you for your understanding.

The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra’s pioneering Young Women in Jazz workshops, presented in partnership with the Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA), are aimed at developing skills and building confidence of young women interested in exploring the world of jazz and improvised music.

Supported by their mentors, some of Perth’s most inspiring and accomplished Jazz artists, this concert is the culmination of 8-weeks intensive workshopping. We invite you to support these talented young women as they demonstrate their newly acquired skills in a fun and inspirational evening of jazz.

Run in Perth since 2014, and developed in 2002 by Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) and Dr. Sandy Evans OAM, the Young Women in Jazz workshops are specifically designed to inspire young women (aged 14 to 25) to play jazz and pursue a future in music and improvisation.

Young Women in Jazz is presented in association with the Sydney Improvised Music Association and supported by the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. WAYJO acknowledges ongoing program partner St John of God Health Care for their continued support.

WAYJO presents Young Women in Jazz 2021
Sun 12 Sep, 6.00pm
The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
Tickets only from Ellington Jazz Club

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

 

Buy Tickets

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