Program announced for 2025!
It’s an exciting new chapter in WAYJO’s story, as we launch the 2025 season under the leadership of our new Artistic Director, saxophonist, composer, and educator Gemma Farrell.
This season, we’re putting the spotlight on local guest artists, showcasing some of the most incredible talent right here in WA. Throughout the year, our Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Night Orchestras will collaborate with an incredible lineup of special guests, perform in a variety of venues, and tour both locally and internationally.
One of the highlights will be our Wednesday Night Orchestra show at the newly restored Como Theatre, featuring violinist Emily Gelineau. This concert is extra special as it celebrates the reopening of the historic Como Theatre, which dates back to the 1930s and has been closed for renovation since 2021. It’s a stunning venue, and we can’t wait to fill it with music.
At The Rechabite, audiences can look forward to two concerts: the return of Havana Nights! – a popular Latin Showcase with powerhouse percussionists Steve Richter and Marcus Perrozzi alongside vocalist Adolfo Chavez, and our annual Vocal Showcase featuring Victoria Newton and all three of WAYJO’s talented vocalists.
Over at The Ellington Jazz Club, the Monday Night Orchestra will share the stage with guitarist Ray Walker, one of last year’s recipients of the WA State Cultural Treasures Award. Ray is a legend in the WA jazz scene, and we’re honoured to have him perform with us.
Beyond these performances, some of our musicians will be heading out on the road. A group of WAYJO band members will be travelling to Narrogin Senior High School to run workshops with students, alongside Noongar/Jingili rapper ZERO Emcee. And in October, six of our band members will be traveling to Tokyo for an exciting exchange program with Showa University. Together with six Showa University students, they’ll form a combined band called SHOWAYJO, co-directed by Gemma Farrell and Showa’s Masa Ikeda. It’s a truly special experience, and we can’t wait to see this cross-cultural collaboration come to life.
Education is at the heart of what we do. In Term 3, we continue our award-nominated Progressions program for young musicians of marginalised genders, ending with a showcase performance at The Ellington. Our Northern Corridor Training Band returns to The Ellington in June, and both programs will feature in our Pathways Jam at Lyric Lane Courtyard in September—a chance for these young musicians to jam and connect with each other.
WAYJO is a not-for-profit organisation, and we rely on the generosity of our community to keep our programs running. If you’d like to support our ongoing work, consider joining the 240 Club by donating $20 per month or $240 annually. Your support helps us run our concerts, education programs, and community initiatives.
Looking ahead, Gemma Farrell shares her vision: “Jazz, for me, is about inclusion, diversity, and accessibility. My vision is to increase diversity within our bands and create more initiatives that make jazz accessible to marginalised communities. Programs like Progressions are already making an impact, and I’m excited to grow that work further. I believe jazz should be for everyone, and I’m committed to building more opportunities, more access, and a more inclusive jazz community.”
Thanks for your continued support, and we can’t wait to share this incredible season with you.
FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO, CLICK HERE
Gemma Farrell Appointed Artistic Director of WAYJO
We are delighted to announce the appointment of jazz saxophonist, composer, educator, Gemma Farrell as Artistic Director. Gemma holds a Master of Music degree from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, a Bachelor of Music with Honours from the Queensland Conservatorium and is currently a PhD candidate and lecturer in jazz studies at WAAPA. Gemma was a member of the WAYJO Band from 2003 to 2007 and has been a staff member for more than a decade, leading the WAYJO Pathways Program, Progressions, (formerly known as Young Women in Jazz) since 2014.
Progressions is an initiative encouraging young people of marginalised genders, female, non-binary and transgender who are underrepresented on jazz stages build support networks, refine their skills, and increase confidence. The program was nominated for the APRA AMCOS Art Music Award for Excellence in Music Education in both 2023 and 2024. Her contributions to the field were recognised when she received the APRA AMCOS Art Music Award for WA State Luminary in 2024 and the Australian Women in Music Award for Humanitarian 2024.
In July 2022, Gemma was featured as a guest artist with our Monday Night Orchestra, where she highlighted the versatility of the saxophone family, the EWI, and her original compositions. In 2024, she conducted the Wednesday Night Orchestra at the State Theatre Centre, collaborating with Grammy-winning bassist Linda May Han Oh.
WAYJO Chair Simon Durack said, “On behalf of my fellow Board members, we are delighted to welcome Gemma Farrell to the position of Artistic Director for WAYJO and look forward to her ongoing input into the future artistic direction of WAYJO.”
Gemma said, “I’m extremely honoured to have been appointed as the next Artistic Director of WAYJO. I never imagined that as a young musician in WAYJO that I would be the AD one day. I look forward to working with the dedicated WAYJO staff and Board towards a more diverse Perth Jazz scene and I’m especially excited to work with such incredible up and coming talent in our WAYJO musicians”.
Join our team: Business Development Manager
WAYJO is offering an exciting part-time opportunity for a dynamic individual to join our dedicated office team located in Maylands as a Business Development Manager.
As Australia’s premier youth jazz orchestra and one of the nation’s longest-running arts organisations, WAYJO is seeking an experienced professional to collaborate closely in a part-time capacity with our Executive Team and Board, as well as key external stakeholders.
The chosen candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping WAYJO’s future, focusing on developing and managing innovative income generation strategies, fostering philanthropic and corporate partnerships, and expanding our supporter base. This position presents a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact on the growth and development of emerging young jazz musicians.
This position suits a strategic thinker with a passion for cultivating partnerships and excelling in creating sustainable income streams through business development plans.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity and to apply, please review the job application on Seek.
For enquiries, please contact WAYJO.
Emily Stokoe returns to WAYJO as Events and Programs Manager
WAYJO is delighted to welcome Emily Stokoe back to the office team as the new Events and Programs Manager.
Having previously served as WAYJO’s Event and Logistics Manager in 2021/2022, Emily spent last year as Company Stage Manager and Associate Producer for Barking Gecko Theatre. The executive team are therefore thrilled to announce her return in a new capacity as WAYJO’s Events and Programs Manager.
Emily brings a diverse range of experience to the role and expertise in the Perth arts scene. With a foundation in Stage Management training from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and a proficiency in Producing and Design from the WA Screen Academy, Emily’s 14-year career weaves across various domains, including theatre, dance, festivals, local government events, site-specific activations, and extensive touring.
Despite her numerous freelance engagements, it was Emily’s love of WAYJO’s band members and staff, the privilege of regularly listening to live big band music, and her passion for creating opportunities and safe spaces for young people, that has drawn her back to the team.
Emily recently worked tirelessly on the team to put together the 2024 WAYJO band camp (clocking up more than 20,000 steps in one day!) and is looking forward to welcoming audiences to WAYJO’s concert programming soon.
If you’d like to get in contact with Em, you can send her an email, or phone the office on 08 9471 1950, where she’ll be working three days a week.
Appointment of Lucy Iffla as Operations Coordinator
Please join WAYJO in welcoming Lucy Iffla as the new Operations Coordinator. Bringing a wealth of experience in events management and administration to the role, Lucy has joined the team to deliver this year’s events and Pathways Programs.
Audiences will recognise Lucy from her years behind the mic, as a jazz and folk vocalist and songwriter. She first auditioned with WAYJO as a 14-year-old, and her perseverance paid off when she received a position as the vocalist of the MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra. With WAYJO she toured internationally to Japan, performed for many years across WA, and eventually worked her way through to the Wednesday Night Orchestra.
Lucy says of her history with WAYJO:
“WAYJO has supported me through so many opportunities over the past five years, developed my vocal and performance techniques, and created memories I will keep forever.”
As Operations Coordinator, Lucy is your first point of contact and will liaise with the artistic team and band members. She’ll also play a big role in the coordination of the Pathways Programs, in collaboration with key tutors and Musical Directors.
If you’d like to get in contact with Lucy, you can send her an email, or phone the office on 08 9471 1950.
Cultural exchange with Showa University of Music, Japan
Directed by Masa Ikeda and Mace Francis, the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra and Showa University of Music in Japan are together celebrating culture and their shared love of music in Perth next month – continuing a 10-year relationship, which started in 2014.
This 9-day cultural exchange from 1 November 2023 features 10 members from the Wednesday Night Orchestra (WNO) and six musicians from Showa, as well as the hosting of an Associate Professor and Assistant from the university, which is located in Shin-Yurigaoka just outside of central Tokyo.
WNO members taking part includes Aaron Caldwell (Alto Sax), Oliver Taylor (Tenor Sax), Ethan Nankivell (Tenor Sax), Naoko Uemoto (Baritone sax), Dusan Cuculoski (Trumpet), Ethan Lamb (Trumpet), Matthew Knight (Trumpet), Lindsay Bush (Trombone), Jules Arnold (Trombone) and Fred Hostman (Bass Trombone).
The Showa University of Music, the Showa Graduate School of Music and the Showa College of Music are part of the Tosei Gakuen Educational Foundation, which is renowned for its forward-thinking in music education in the areas of traditional western classical music, musical theatre, ballet, and jazz and popular music.
Thanks to the support of the North West Shelf Gas this cultural exchange includes an all-expenses trip for the travelling musicians, rehearsals, a recording session at Loop Studio, cultural activities and sightseeing as well as private and public performances.
The two groups will also be coming together to form a cross-cultural big band ‘SHOWAYJO’ at the Perth International Jazz Festival’s Jazz Picnic in the Park on Sunday 5 November at 2:15pm.
Playing classic big band repertoire as well as premiering a new work collectively composed by orchestra members, this free concert in Hyde Park also includes a performance by our Northern Corridor Band at 1pm, a jazz parade, WAAPA Mingus Ensemble & Jazz Vocal Ensemble and The Vampires (NSW).
This exchange has been made possible through our Principal Partner, North West Shelf Gas.
Jazz Picnic in the Park
From 12pm, Sunday 5 November
Hyde Park, Perth
For more info
Photos courtesy of Consulate-General of Japan in Perth
WAYJO NC plays The Ellington
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Northern Corridor (NC) Band assists in the development of young musicians who have an interest in playing big band jazz. This ensemble also focuses on the growth of its members through developing deeper musical understanding, leadership, and camaraderie.
Currently, the band is comprised of students from 12 different schools across Perth and Peel region, with students travelling from Mandurah to Duncraig to take part in the weekly rehearsals.
The band is directed by Jess Herbert who’s been involved with WAYJO for 14 years! She originally started out as a member of the St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra (TNO) or Big Band Orchestra as it was previously called, and played baritone sax in the band from 2009-2011. She then started working with WAYJO in their administration team from 2014 to 2021 and now holds her dream position as a Musical Director!
Jess says being a part of WAYJO is so much more than you might think. “It’s about community, opportunity and above all, a love of big band jazz. I count myself very lucky to have been involved with this organisation for so many years,” she says.
Ahead of their show coming up at The Ellington Jazz Club this weekend, Jess fills us in all things NC.
How long have you been music director of NC?
Jess Herbert: I have been the MD since August of 2022.
Tell us how the NC band has developed this year
JH: The band have improved exponentially over the course of the last year and a half. The level of repertoire they are performing, their musicianship both as individuals and as an ensemble and their dedication to the ensemble has just been so inspiring to watch. It’s really important in big band jazz to develop leadership within the ensemble as well as musical camaraderie. Allowing my students to have artistic license, encouraging their enthusiasm and facilitating musical discussion has allowed the group to really grow, and lean into their understanding of what it means to play big band jazz. It’s so much more than just turning up each week and reading the dots on the page. We’re seeing the students grow not just as musicians, but as leaders and it’s incredible to witness.
What’s the repertoire for this Sunday’s concert?
JH: We have a very diverse set of music for our audience this Sunday! We’re playing classic tunes from Basie and Ellington through to some original compositions by Perth based saxophonist and composer, Gemma Farrell. It’s going to be a power hour of big band music through the decades.
How will this concert differ from their previous ones this year?
JH: This is our first featured concert in a music venue. So far this year we have played at Joondalup Festival, the WA Schools Jazz Festival and with Dave Theak at St Stephens last month alongside the St Stephens Big Band and the MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra, but we have never played our own standalone gig before! This is a landmark performance for the band.
Is the band excited to be playing at Perth’s most iconic jazz club?
JH: Absolutely! The Ellington Jazz Club, with its illustrious 15-year history, is renowned for hosting some of the finest jazz performances from across the globe. For these budding artists, the opportunity to showcase their skills at this iconic venue represents a milestone in their burgeoning careers. I’m not sure how we’re going to fit them all on the stage yet, but you’ll just have to come to the concert to see if we can pull it off!
What’s on the cards for NC next year?
I’m so passionate about this ensemble and fostering the next generation of jazz musicians. We start 2024 planning next month and I do have some exciting things planned but you’ll just have to watch this space for now…
WAYJO NC plays The Ellington
3pm, Sunday 29 October – The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
Click here for tickets
Photos by David P Cox
Q&A with MNO musical director Ricki Malet
Musical Director of the MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra, Ricki Malet, reveals what’s in store for this week’s concerts with Sydney saxophonist David Theak.
Why are you excited to work with David Theak?
Ricki Malet: Dave is an amazing composer, arranger, musician and educator. He has run his own big band, The Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra, as well as the Sydney Con Big Band and is now involved with the Australian National Youth Jazz Orchestra. It is going to be fantastic for the MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra to be able to spend a week learning from him.
For many of the MinterEllison Monday Night band members, this will be their first regional tour, what do you enjoy most about the touring program and taking the big band to play in front of new audiences?
RM: I enjoy watching the growth of the band over the tour! As the younger of the bands they really develop confidence in their abilities from working with schools to performing in front of new audiences.
We’re already into September and the MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra has now performed together quite a few times, how have you seen them develop as a big band?
RM: As always, it’s the most rewarding part of being an MD with WAYJO. I get a front row seat to them building their confidence and learning to gel musically together. There were a lot of first time WAYJO members and they have grown a lot, but people will have to come see for themselves.
What’s your favourite piece of music to direct?
RM: At the moment I’m really enjoying doing Andrew Murray’s arrangement of ‘The Shadow of Your Smile’, it’s a fantastic version that we did some years ago when Andrew wielded with the band and I love bringing it out from time to time.
Is there anything you can tell audiences about what they can expect from this week’s performance program?
RM: Amazingly talented, young musicians! You must come and see them with your own eyes and ears!!
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore: David Theak Meets WAYJO
7:30pm, Thursday 14 September -Fishtrap Theatre, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
MinterEllison MNO with David Theak
Click here for tickets
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore: David Theak Meets WAYJO
7:30pm, Saturday 16 September – Downstairs at The Maj
MinterEllison MNO with David Theak
Click here for tickets
WAYJO presents Swingin’ at St Stephen’s, proudly supported by St Stephen’s School
7:30pm, Friday 15 September
St Stephen’s School Theatre, Duncraig
Click here for tickets
Don’t Get Around Much Any More: David Theak meets WAYJO
Performing the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra and more, our MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra will be joined on stage by the extraordinary David Theak – a highly accomplished saxophonist and leading Australian jazz educator from Sydney.
Head of Jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium, co-artistic director of the Australian National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and artistic director of the Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Festival, David Theak is a passionate advocate for big bands and has toured the world with his quartet, Theak-tet. He was recently shortlisted for UMO (Helsinki Jazz Orchestra) and WDR (West German Radio) Big Bands as a saxophonist. He has an upcoming Naxos Jazz project with German composer Florian Ross and strings in 2024.
As he pays tribute to the great tenor saxophonists of the swing era, and maybe even sings a song or two – these will be two very special evenings of vintage rhythms, sophisticated sounds, and timeless classics on 14 and 15 September.
On Friday 16 September David performs Swingin’ at St Stephen’s at St Stephen’s School Duncraig. This night of jazz classics features WAYJO’s MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra, joined on stage by David Theak on saxophone with support from WAYJO’s Northern Corridor Band and the St Stephen’s Swing Band.
David said, “I can’t wait to swing with WAYJO in September….Australia’s most prominent youth big band, directed by a bunch of jazz legends…anytime I play with WAYJO, it’s a joyous occasion.”
WAYJO Artistic Director & Musical Director, Mace Francis, said “The MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra has members that have ‘graduated’ from the WAYJO Northern Corridor Band, so it’s very fitting for this performance to take place where they rehearse each week. Rehearsals are held in the big band format and are focused on jazz phrasing, articulation, and artistic expression as well as improvisational techniques and playing a wide range of musical genres including jazz, funk, and Latin charts.
“Alongside regular rehearsals are masterclasses, performance opportunities, collaborations and mentoring from guest artists both from Australia and abroad, WAAPA staff and experienced WAYJO Alumni. We are thrilled to welcome David to feature in this exciting performance.”
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore: David Theak Meets WAYJO
7:30pm, Thursday 14 September -Fishtrap Theatre, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
MinterEllison MNO with David Theak
Click here for tickets
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore: David Theak Meets WAYJO
7:30pm, Saturday 16 September – Downstairs at The Maj
MinterEllison MNO with David Theak
Click here for tickets
WAYJO presents Swingin’ at St Stephen’s, proudly supported by St Stephen’s School
7:30pm, Friday 15 September
St Stephen’s School Theatre, Duncraig
Click here for tickets
Art Music Awards Finalist
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra is proud to have been announced as a finalist in the prestigious Art Music Awards by APRA AMCOS and the Australian Music Centre.
The Art Music Awards celebrates individuals, groups and organisations in the Australian music community, recognising excellence among Australia’s finest creators and performers in contemporary classical, jazz, experimental music and sound art.
WAYJO was nominated for the Award for Excellence in Music Education for our 2022 Annual Pathways Programs.
Artistic Director Mace Francis, and winner of the WA Luminary Award in 2022, says of the nomination:
“We are very excited to be a finalist in the APRA/AMCOS and Australian Music Centre Art Music Awards this year. It is so nice to be recognised nationally for the great work we are doing here in WA, inspiring and encouraging young musicians work towards a future in this industry. We are very proud of our work and very proud of our Pathways leaders, Gemma Farrell and Jessica Herbert who are working so closely with the next generation of WA music stars.”
Congratulations to all of the nominees, and especially to our fellow West Australians Lachlan Skipworth and Jamie Oehlers.
The 2023 Art Music Awards will take place at Carriageworks on Tuesday 15 August 2023. See the full list of finalists.