WAYJO's 40th Anniversary Concert & Festival
You’re invited to the jazz party of the year as WAYJO turns 40!
With thousands of events under its belt and a special place in many a WA musician’s hearts and memories, WAYJO is marking the occasion in style – bringing together Perth’s biggest jazz names alongside future stars of the Australian jazz scene for one special weekend at the State Theatre Centre’s Studio Underground and Foyer.
Join us as we celebrate WAYJO’s 40-year history and look towards the future of jazz!
40th Anniversary Concert
The celebrations begin with a Gala performance on Friday evening featuring WAYJO big bands alongside special guest alumni including Perth’s premier jazz vocalist, Libby Hammer, the versatile trombonist Catherine Noblet, the accomplished saxophonist Gemma Farrell, and the elegant vocalist Lucy Iffla.
On the big night, all three bands – MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra, St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra, and Wednesday Night Orchestra – will take to the stage to perform commissioned works, band and fan favourites, and classic big band jazz repertoire.
WAYJO’s 40th Anniversary Concert
7:30pm, Friday 26 May
Studio Underground
40th Anniversary Festival
Then on Saturday, take a trip down memory lane and immerse yourself in our mini festival hub of in-conversations, small group jazz ensembles, historic photo displays, alumni appearances, and big band performances.
Be transported through time as all three big bands celebrate the greats playing classic big band jazz, music from the depths of the WAYJO library, and a line-up that traces jazz through to contemporary, translating be-bop to hip-hop.
With guest artists Jamie Oehlers, Libby Hammer, and Zero Emcee, this is an event not to be missed.
WAYJO’s 40th Anniversary Festival
4pm – 10pm, Saturday 27 May
Studio Underground
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
2022 Young Women in Jazz Concert
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra’s pioneering Young Women in Jazz workshop, presented in partnership with the Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA), is 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 thier newly acquired skills in a fun and inspirational jazz concert.
Run in Perth since 2014, and developed in 2002 by Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) and Dr. Sandy Evans OAM, Young Women in Jazz is 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, with venue support by the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
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.
Photograph of 2021 Young Women in Jazz Concert by Izzy La Cunza
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
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
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.
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
WAYJO Club 2021 Semester Two
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
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
Introducing WAYJO Club
The West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) will not be holding band auditions for 2021. COVID-19 caused the loss of rehearsal and performance opportunities through most of 2020, so WAYJO has offered 2020 band members continuation into 2021.
Instead we welcome to WAYJO Club, an exciting new opportunity for aspiring instrumentalists and vocalists, aged 12-18 years during 2021, to learn about and participate in jazz music making with WAYJO in a social and inclusive setting.
There will be NO AUDITION required to take part, WAYJO Club is open to all young musicians with a basic understanding of music.
WAYJO Club is a program that will give you access to networks, resources, content, open rehearsals and jazz day-camps. These will be delivered March-June & August-November as a combination of both online and in-person sessions (pandemic advisories permitting).
The year is divided into two separate semester programs – so you can choose to participate for a single semester, or book the full year in advance to enjoy a discount;
SEMESTER 1
- March 2: Online Resources Sent
- April 6: Online Resources Sent
- April 11: Jazz Camp
- April 14: Invitation to an open rehearsal with the Wednesday Night Orchestra
- May 4: Online Resources Sent
- May 11: Invitation to an open rehearsal with the Tuesday Night Orchestra
- June 1: Online Resources Sent
- June 20: Jazz Camp
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)
- Full Year: $250 (plus $15.93 booking fee)
WAYJO Club semester 1 and full-year registrations open 9.00am Wednesday 18 November 2020, and close 5.00pm Monday 15 February 2021 – if not filled prior. Participants are limited to 50 per semester.
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
CANCELLED - Jazz for Juniors
PLEASE NOTE: In response to COVID-19 restrictions, WAYJO sadly announce cancellation of this show.
Ticket holders for the show will receive a full refund from Perth Theatre Trust.
If you can, please consider a ticket refund or other donation to WAYJO at wayjo.com/support
Full statement: wayjo.com/covid-19-concert-cancellations
We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and hope to see you at another WAYJO performance in the near future.
Do your kids know jazz? We bet they do, whether it’s through watching Disney films or sipping a babyccino at your favourite café, and with over 6,000 parents and their carers experiencing Jazz for Juniors since we launched these concerts in 2017, they’ll love hearing their favourite songs up close.
With interactive songs, the chance to try out instruments designed for small hands, and plenty of time to get up and boogie, Jazz for Juniors is perfect school holiday entertainment for children aged 7 and under.
We can also come out to your school or day care centre. Smile, jump and jive with Jazz for Juniors!
WAYJO’s Education program is supported by Healthway promoting the Act-Belong-Commit message
WAYJO presents act-belong-commit Jazz for Juniors
WAYJO Ensembles, accompanied by YOU the audience!
Tue 14 & Wed 15 April, 9.30am & 11.00am
Tue 7 & Wed 8 July, 9.30am & 11.00am
Tue 29 & Wed 30 September, 9.30am & 11.00am
Downstairs at The Maj | His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth
Tickets from Perth Theatre Trust