Progressions Intensive Workshop 2024

Progressions Intensive Workshop 2024

– WAYJO Workshops for genders on the outskirts of Jazz –

Calling all young female and non-binary instrumentalists interested in learning more about jazz and improvised music! This is your chance to learn, connect, and be inspired by some of the leading voices in jazz today. From Monday, 4th November to Thursday, 7th November 2024, join us at the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) for a special four-day workshop.

Led by Mariel Bildsten, a jazz trombonist based in New York City, this program offers intensive, hands-on sessions that will elevate your skills and broaden your musical horizons.

Mariel has graced the stages of Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Radio City Music Hall, performing alongside legends like Jon Batiste, Roy Hargrove, Jennifer Hudson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and the Mingus Big Band.

As part of the long-standing Progressions program that’s been twice-nominated in the national Art Music Awards, this new Intensive workshop is being run for the first time, offering a fresh and focused approach to jazz education. Throughout the four days, you’ll hone your improvisational abilities, expand your understanding of jazz, and explore career pathways in the music industry.

With only 50 spots available, this workshop is a unique opportunity to work closely with Mariel and other leading female jazz professionals. Whether you’re looking to deepen your jazz knowledge or take the next step in your musical journey, Progressions Intensive 2024 is the perfect place to start.

Registrations open on Monday the 16 August 2024 and close 5pm 24 October 2024 – only if not filled prior. Places are limited to 50 participants.


Progressions Intensive Workshop 2024 
Dates: 4, 5, 6, 7 November 2024 [for 4 consecutive days]
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Location: WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Edith Cowan University, 2 Bradford St, Mount Lawley WA 6050. Ensemble Room 1.208
Fee: $180. Please note the workshop fee is non-refundable

REGISTER BY FILLING OUT THE ENROLMENT FORM HERE

PAYMENT FOR WORKSHOP HERE

For more information about the workshops, please contact Progressions Coordinator Gemma Farrell: education@wayjo.com
For questions about registrations and payments, please email: admin@wayjo.com 


WAYJO sincerely thanks the following organisations for supporting Progressions

 



Guests Artists Appear thanks to WAYJO’s 2024 Major Program Partner


Progressions 2024 Showcase featuring Chloe Rowlands (USA)

Progressions 2024 Showcase featuring Chloe Rowlands (USA)

Progressions Showcase is the outcome of an 8-week intensive workshop program for young female identifying and non-binary instrumentalists in their journey to being the next generation of jazz stars. Tonight’s performance will also feature New York based trumpet player Chloe Rowlands who is in Australia for the very first time working with these inspiring young musicians. Each of the Progressions ensembles will perform classic jazz repertoire as well as original music from Chloe and the Perth music tutors.

2024 is the 10th year of this Progressions program supporting young musicians in workshops focused on ensemble playing, build support networks and increasing confidence while learning about jazz and improvised music from some of Perth’s most accomplished jazz professionals. WAYJO and program leader Gemma Farrell invite you to support these talented young people as they demonstrate their newly acquired skills in a fun and inspirational performance featuring world renowned trumpet player Chloe Rowlands.


Progressions 2024 Showcase featuring Chloe Rowlands (USA)
Time: 6pm – 8:10pm [Doors open 5pm]
Date: Sunday 15 September 2024
Venue: Lyric’s Underground, Maylands
BOOK TICKETS

Minors are permitted to come to this show, but must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.


WAYJO extends our gratitude to Guest Artist Program Partner Minderoo Foundation and the United States Consulate Perth for their support in bringing Chloe Rowlands to Western Australia.

 


Pathways Program nominated for 2024 Art Music Award

We are thrilled to announce that our Pathways Program has been nominated for the national 2024 Art Music Awards for Excellence in Music Education for the second year in a row!

Founded in 2014 in Perth, WAYJO’s Pathways Program includes both Progressions and the Northern Corridor Band (WAYJO NC).

Progressions (formerly known as Young Women in Jazz) is designed for female and non-binary instrumentalists who want to dive deeper into jazz and improvised music.

Participants get the chance to perform live at a professional jazz club and work with some of Australia’s top jazz professionals. The workshops, held at WAAPA, feature guest artists, alumnae tutors, and culminate in live performances.

The upcoming program runs on Saturdays from 2-4 pm, from 27 July to 14 September, with renowned trumpeter Chloe Rowlands (USA) as one of the guest artists. Registrations close on 24 July.

Our dedicated team, led by Gemma Farrell, includes Mace Francis, Monique Douglas, Emily Stokoe, and Lucy Iffla, all of whom contribute to making this program a success.

WAYJO NC, founded by Adrian Hicks and currently run by Jessica Herbert and Andrea Stimson, helps young musicians develop their skills in big band jazz. Rehearsals, held in a big band format, focus on jazz phrasing, articulation, artistic expression, improvisation, and playing various musical genres including jazz, funk, and Latin.

In addition to regular rehearsals, participants benefit from masterclasses, performance opportunities, collaborations, and mentoring from both Australian and international guest artists, WAAPA staff, and experienced WAYJO alumni.

We extend our congratulations to our fellow finalists for Excellence in Music Education:

• The Song Room for building thriving communities for children by championing Australian music in remote NT
• The Sonicrats (Alon Ilsar, Ciaran Frame, and Erick Mitsak) for You’re an Instrument! 2023 Victorian Schools Program
• Speak Percussion for Sounds Unheard 2023 Program

A special shout-out to WAYJO alum Linda May Han Oh, nominated for Work of the Year: Jazz for Ephemeral Echoes.

The APRA AMCOS and Australian Music Centre’s Art Music Awards is an annual celebration of the national art music community, recognising excellence among creators, performers, and community leaders in contemporary classical, jazz, experimental music, and sound art. The Awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, 14 August at Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne/Naarm.

Being nominated again is a tremendous honour, and we look forward to sharing all the exciting developments in the Pathways Program this year.


Welcome to our 2024 orchestra members

WAYJO’s Pathways Education Program was developed to engage with young and emerging jazz artists.
 
An integral part of the annual program, WAYJO is proud to facilitate the Northern Corridor Training Band for high school-aged students (which is currently accepting enrolments), and the Progressions Program for individuals on the outskirts of jazz.
 
The programs are designed to enhance and develop the skills of aspiring musicians through artistic mentorship, guided workshops and rehearsals, and quality performance experiences in a big band setting. In addition, participants connect with peers as well as professionals in the music industry, bringing concepts from the classroom to life.
 
WAYJO is thrilled to announce, therefore, that six of the newest band members in the three main orchestras have come through the Pathways Programs.

They are:
Aavi Barker | MNO | Trumpet
Dexter Bell | MNO | Alto Saxophone
Jaeden Carlyon | TNO | Baritone Saxophone

Isabelle Cranley Dixon | MNO | Tenor Saxophone
Ella Dias | TNO | Bass

Ryley Ford | MNO | Trombone

WAYJO’s 2024 Orchestra Members

WAYJO is delighted to have so many returning members in the three big bands: WAYJO’s MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra (MNO), led by Ricki Malet; St John of God Healthcare Tuesday Night Orchestra (TNO) with Musical Director Marty Pervan; and, directed by Mace Francis, the WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra (WNO).
 
A huge welcome, as well, to the thirteen newest band members, for whom this will be their first year with WAYJO.

See the full list of orchestra members and their instruments.