2022 Season Launch Virtual Block Party
Opening the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra year is the 2022 Season Launch Block Party – which moves from stage to screen.
Join us to hear about the upcoming season, and help welcome the newest band members into the WAYJO family!
Choose your refreshments, find a comfortable place, and enjoy a virtual jazz picnic with the WAYJO MinterEllison Monday, St John of God Health Care Tuesday, and Wednesday Night Orchestras, all premiering on YouTube.
The 2022 WAYJO season runs from March to November, with the full season of events to be published at wayjo.com from Monday 21 March. With an exciting range of styles across local venues on offer, there’s something for everyone – so buy local, and go see a show with WAYJO!
WAYJO thanks Government Partner the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries, Principal Partner North West Shelf Gas, Major Programs Partner Minderoo Foundation, MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner, St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner, and Healthway Act Belong Commit for their continued support.
2022 WAYJO Season Launch Virtual Block Party
Sun 20 March, 4.00pm
Free Online Video Event
No registration required – video remains available on our channel post-event
youtube.com/wayouthjazzorchestra
** Originally to be held on the Sea Container stage at The Rise in Maylands, this event was converted to an online video due to the pandemic.
Photograph Josh Wells (2021 WAYJO Lyric Lane Black Party show)
WAYJO Announces 2022 Season and Block Party Launch
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) literally swings back in 2022 with an exciting series of concerts.
Opening the season is the 2022 Season Launch Block Party, Sunday 20 March from 4.00pm. Held on the recently installed Sea Container stage at The Rise in Maylands, this outdoor miniature amphitheatre presents all three big bands in a free community open-air concert. Refreshments will be available around the park, so bring a rug and your mask to enjoy an afternoon jazz picnic. Join the MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra, St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra and the Wednesday Night Orchestra, and be first to grab a copy of the season brochure, plus welcome WAYJO’s newest members.
This year’s program boasts big band instruments of the ‘horn’ section, with highly regarded local trumpet, trombone and saxophone performers making up the majority of the guest artist roster.
WAYJO also presents exciting artistic collaboration Beats & Pieces: From Latino To Electro to get you up and dancing, including ‘electro-fying’ work with students from Djinda Boodja. “This event combines the popular WAYJO Latin Explosion shows from 2019 and 2021 with a new Djinda Boodja collaboration, working with their hip-hop and electronic music students to create something new and powerful.” – Mace Francis, WAYJO Artistic Director.
Jessica Carlton Plays The Music of Kenny Wheeler kicks off the season on April 23rd at Lyric’s Underground. Jess recently moved to Perth after living and studying in Melbourne and New York. Highly influenced by Wheeler’s lyrical and melodic improvisational style on trumpet and flugelhorn, Jess is a distinct voice in the Australian jazz scene.
Gemma Farrell Meets WAYJO presents this outstanding saxophonist, composer and educator at Lyric’s Underground July 30th. “WAYJO is very proud to have Gemma showcased as a performer, and to show audiences the variety and versatility of what the saxophone family can do… because she plays them all” states Mace.
‘Taint What You Do 21st of August at The Rechabite Hall brings back the charm and splendour of live dance band evenings. This relaxed early Sunday evening show is perfect for dancers of all ages and families to enjoy classic jazz. Dress up and get down on this amazing wooden floor, along with the local swing dancing community.
The Trombone: Big Band Backbone visits the Subiaco Arts Centre 17th of September with three of WA’s finest trombonists. Jeremy Grieg, Catherine Noblet and Will Pethick all served in WAYJO in different eras, coming together to showcase the instrument that Beethoven once described as “the voice of God.”
Celebrating The Greats: Mingus’ & Basie Band Member 100th Birthday, October 14th & 15th Downstairs at The Maj, pays tribute to the greats by celebrating the 100th birthday of Charles Mingus, plus many members of the Count Basie Orchestra. Fans of Eddie ‘lockjaw’ Davis, Joe Newman, Frank Wess and Ernie Wilkins (all Count Basie Orchestra members born in 1922) will enjoy this classic jazz celebration.
The Best Of 2022 show 25th November wraps up the year with all three big bands at the Quarry Amphitheatre. A sell out show several years in a row, be sure to book early to hear each band present their favourite works from the annual program. After a full year of working together, these bands have never sounded better to farewell some of our players and the year that was.
The 2022 WAYJO season runs from March to November, with the full season of events to be published at wayjo.com from Monday 21 March. With an exciting range of styles across local venues on offer, there’s something for everyone – so buy local, and go see a show with WAYJO!
WAYJO thanks Government Partner the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries, Principal Partner North West Shelf Gas, Major Programs Partner Minderoo Foundation, MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner, St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner, and Healthway Act Belong Commit for their continued support.
Hashtags: #WAYJO2022 #WAYJOblockparty
Photograph: WAYJO MNO at 2021 Block Party in Lyric Lane – by Josh Wells
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley, WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
WAYJO Swings - WAAPA Sings!
Join all three WAYJO bands plus two WAAPA vocal ensembles in a glorious night under the stars.
Experience the timeless magic of the big band, coupled with power of the WAAPA Jazz Choir and WAAPA Gospel Choir.
This is one spectacular night of jazz, gospel and soul to close out WAYJO’s 2021 season, simply not to be missed!
What you can bring into The Quarry;
Low concert/beach chairs (no wider than 52cm including arm rests)
Blankets
Cushions
Small esky
Picnic including wine and beer (no spirits or spike style wine glass holders)
Insect repellent
Rain poncho (no umbrellas)
WAYJO Swings and WAAPA Sings at The Quarry, 27 November
Join all three WAYJO bands, plus two Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) vocal ensembles, in one glorious night under the stars to close out WAYJO’s 2021 season in style.
Experience the timeless magic of the big band, coupled with power of the WAAPA Jazz Choir & WAAPA Gospel Choir, all on the majestic stage of the Quarry Amphitheatre, Saturday 27 November.
The WAAPA Gospel Choir was formed at the beginning of 2015 and is directed by Matt Allen. An audition-only ensemble consisting of Bachelor of Music students from the Contemporary Music course at WAAPA, they have recorded with hip hop giant Drapht, featuring on his album ‘Seven Mirrors’ that was nominated for an Aria Award.
“The marriage of gospel music with a jazz big band will be an entirely unique and uplifting experience” states Matt. “The moments of complete collaboration with the jazz vocal ensemble, the gospel choir and WAYJO will be the highlight of the show for sure. Having that many amazing musicians all on stage at once will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience…. You can expect some big singing and big arrangements, that will hopefully leave you feeling invigorated and inspired.”
The WAAPA Jazz Vocal Ensemble features the amazing talents of 17 exceptional young vocalists, currently studying in the WAAPA jazz course. Directed by Victoria Newton, the ensemble perform an eclectic mix of Jazz, World Music, contemporary and original repertoire.
“Audiences can expect some swinging Count Basie and Duke Ellington classics in the style of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, and New York Voices” says Victoria. “We’ll also be performing a funky rendition of Teach Me Tonight and a magnificent original work by Grant Windsor, entitled Nascimento…. We are beyond excited for this wonderful opportunity to perform with the outstanding WAYJO orchestras and the WAAPA Gospel Choir in this magnificent setting.”
The MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra led by Ricki Malet, will be playing music made famous by jazz greats such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and more, sharing the stage with WAAPA Jazz Choir for some vocal classics.
“The Tuesday night Orchestra will present a set of great jazz… performing some well-known swinging tunes originally made famous by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, as well as getting funky with some lesser-known works – there will even be a couple of songs featuring the WAAPA Gospel Choir!” Marty Pervan – TNO Director.
Both choirs also take to the stage with the Wednesday Night Orchestra, as led by acting Director Gemma Farrell, for a momentous grand finale that is one of WAYJO’s largest on-stage undertakings.
These two powerhouse vocal ensembles meet the WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night, Tuesday and Wednesday Night Orchestras, in a one-off performance set to raise spirits in a unique celebration of Perth’s incredible musical talent.
For more information, please visit wayjo.com
WAYJO Swings – WAAPA Sings!
WAYJO MinterEllison MNO, TNO & WNO, with special guests WAAPA Jazz & WAAPA Gospel Choirs
Sat 27 Nov, 7.30pm
The Quarry Amphitheatre, City Beach | Tickets wayjo.com
Media Link: https://wayjo.com/2021-wayjo-waapa
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #WAYJOswingsWAAPAsings
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.
The Modern Masters
Did you know that big band music has continued to evolve and push boundaries from the Golden Age of Swing?
Composers such as Bill Holman, Bob Brookmeyer, Jim McNeely and Maria Schneider have used big band instrumentation to create some of the most creative and exciting jazz in recent decades.
The Wednesday Night Orchestra will be joined by Perth’s very own modern master on tenor saxophone, Dr Jamie Oehlers (WAYJO member 1987-93).
Join WAYJO for this special night, also premiering 2021 WAYJO Composer in Residence works by Brendan Keller-Tuberg (ACT) and Reece Clark (WA).
Jamie appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
2021 WAYJO Composer Commissions Premiere in October
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.
Exciting new ensemble works by Brendan Keller-Tuberg and Reece Clark premiere 22 October at The Modern Masters, a night of both contemporary and commissioned jazz, performed by WAYJO’s seasoned Wednesday Night Orchestra along with special guest (WAAPA Associate Dean of Music and WAYJO alumni) Dr Jamie Oehlers.
“When I was 14, WAYJO was the organisation that really focussed my attention on music and inspired me to become a professional musician” says Jamie. “I have so many great memories of my time in WAYJO – from the weekly rehearsals with people who became my lifelong friends, to the yearly Leeuwin Estate concerts and the tour to Wangaratta Jazz Festival, which introduced me to the wider Australian jazz community. Having the opportunity to perform with the great young musicians in the band now, and hopefully help to inspire some to develop careers playing this music that we love, is the most enjoyable aspect of this collaboration, for sure!”
Brendan Keller-Tuberg is a 26-year-old award winning artist in the ACT, who spent 6-months on exchange at the Jacobs School of Music in Indiana, USA studying performance in jazz bass during 2017. “Audiences are going to hear… big band compositions which were written between May-August 2021” States Brendan. “This particular time in my life was a very climactic one – having rushed home to Canberra to wait out the pandemic in March 2020, these months were spent preparing to return to America to begin doctoral study at the Jacobs School of Music. The three pieces (written) are all contrasting in their tone and atmosphere, and are roughly inspired by different aspects of this impending move to America….”
“I feel so privileged and excited to have received the opportunity to compose for WAYJO – the opportunities to compose for such a large instrumentation and to have your works performed are extremely rare! As a high-level big band for young musicians in Australia, WAYJO is so important and brings so much to the Australian jazz landscape… Getting to write music without any creative limitation has been a true joy…. to also take bold creative risks where appropriate and applicable! And I’m so excited to hear the results.”
Reece Clark, a 24-year-old multi-instrumentalists and composer, is from WA and also WAYJO & WAAPA alumni. “This upcoming commission has been an interesting step in my development as a composer over the past few months. I had an overarching idea to create something influenced by the interaction between water and light which developed into the Storm Suite, a suite of pieces detailing three interactions with a gradually developed level of intensity….”
“It has been a thoroughly enriching process for me to cultivate each of these pieces both in isolation and within the context of the Storm Suite, with each showcasing a different style and form of writing through the framework of the big band.”
For more information about WAYJO’s annual composer in residence program and commissioning, please visit wayjo.com/composer-in-residence – or visit wayjo.com for more about the orchestra and ticketing links.
Jamie appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
WAYJO presents The Modern Masters
WNO with special guest Dr Jamie Oehlers
Fri 22 Oct, 7.30pm
Lyric’s Underground, Maylands | Tickets wayjo.com
Kate Pass: Kohesia & the Far East Suite
Kate Pass has forged a musical style and genre unto itself.
Blending jazz and Persian musical influences, Kate has been able to create something new, refreshing and very exciting.
WAYJO are proud to have commissioned Kate (WAYJO member 2009/10 & 2014), and now work to expand those ideas for the WNO.
We welcome Kate and Kohesia, a unique ensemble drawing upon aspects of the Persian Dastgah system and elements of the Jazz tradition.
Enjoy this very special cross-cultural collaboration in one night not to be missed.
Kate and the Kohesia Ensemble appear thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation
Let WAYJO Take You on a Sonic Persian Carpet Ride in July
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) hits The Rechabite Hall, Saturday 10th July, with exciting newly commissioned works featuring special guests Kate Pass & the Kohesia Ensemble.
Blending jazz & Persian musical influences, Kate Pass has created something new, refreshing & very exciting. Kohesia Ensemble bring elements of the Persian Dastgah musical system in a special night of cross-cultural collaboration & freshly commissioned work simply not to be missed.
Kate Pass – Kohesia & the Far East Suite will explore non-western time structures and microtonal melodies, combining the sounds of Persian flute (ney), percussion (daf), lute (saz) and oud with 18-piece jazz orchestra for a truly unique experience.
WAYJO are proud to have commissioned Kate (WAYJO member 2009/10 & 2014), to now expand her ideas for big band with the Wednesday Night Orchestra (WNO).
“I’m really excited to collaborate with Wednesday Night orchestra on this project” says Kate. “Being an alumni WAYJO band member myself, it’s truly an honour to be commissioned to write for the band.
The program will feature several members of Kohesia Ensemble, including Esfandiar Shahmir on ney, Reza Mirzaei on saz, and Mike Zolker on oud.
I think this is the first time this combination of instruments has been joined by a big band, so it’s an incredible opportunity to create something new and unique. It’s also an opportunity for the members of Kohesia ensemble and myself to explore a different tonal palette.
The instruments of Wednesday Night Orchestra provide a wonderful variety of colours and textures, that allow us to re-imagine the Kohesia Ensemble sound, and expand upon our ideas in a way we haven’t done before.”
Tickets for this show are on sale through Humanitix, a registered charity offering 100% of profits from booking fees towards education programs for Young Girls, and scholarships for Indigenous Australians… yet another great reason to see this show.
Kate and the Kohesia Ensemble appear thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
WAYJO presents Kate Pass: Kohesia & the Far East Suite
Sat 10 Jul, 7.30pm
WAYJO WNO, with special guests Kate Pass and the Kohesia Ensemble
The Rechabite, Northbridge | Tickets wayjo.com
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #RechabiteJazz #KatePassKohesia
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley
WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
Photo of Kohesia Enemble by Josh Wells
Basie & Beyond
Let WAYJO take you on a bold jazz journey from Basie and into the big band beyond…
Enjoy classic big band repertoire, artfully paired with reinvented contemporary jazz standards, plus the premiere of exciting commissions by Downbeat award-winning composer and arranger Alana Macpherson (WAYJO member 2010, 2012-17) on her recent return from Austria.
Alana’s music is inspired by the composer’s reflections on Australia, composed during several lockdowns in Europe throughout 2020.
There’s something for all contemporary and jazz music fans in this bold big band program that’s simply not to be missed!
Alana appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
Tickets to our popular 1-hour Act Belong Commit Jazz at The Maj for Schools concert-workshops are just $15 (+bf) per student or teacher/parent (receive 1 complimentary ticket per 9 purchased).
To book school shows, please phone Perth Theatre Trust group bookings on 6212 9291, or email groups@ptt.wa.gov.au
Friday 11 June, 3.00pm: Basie and Beyond, A Journey into Jazz
Friday 6 August, 3.00pm: The Golden Age of Swing
Classic, Contemporary & Commissioned Jazz in June
WAYJO are back with Jazz at The Maj, presenting Basie & Beyond – A Journey Through Jazz Downstairs at The Maj 11-12 June.
Let WAYJO take you on a bold jazz journey from Basie and into the big band beyond! Enjoy classic jazz repertoire, artfully paired with reinvented contemporary standards, presented by the WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra (MNO). The second half features the Wednesday Night Orchestra (WNO) premiering exciting new works by WAYJO alumni Alana Macpherson, commissioned by the Minderoo Foundation.
WNO bring to life a set of all new music by the Downbeat award-winning composer and arranger. The music, inspired by the composer’s reflections on Australia, was composed during several lockdowns in Europe throughout 2020. This is a unique opportunity to see Alana Macpherson in action shaping the music that was composed specifically for the orchestra.
Alana is a Perth born is a saxophonist and composer currently based in Graz, Austria. Following the 2019 release of her debut album “All or Nothing At All”, Macpherson won the Downbeat Student Music Award for Large Ensemble Arrangement, as well as the 2018 WAM awards for “Best Brass/Woodwind/Strings Instrumentalist” and “Best Live Jazz Act”. She has toured with Emil Spanyi (Hungary), performed with the Vine Street Horns (Phil Collins), KUG Jazz Orchestra, Graz Composer’s Orchestra, James Morrison Big Band, and the Evan Sherman Big Band, among others. Macpherson has performed her works at the Perth International Jazz Festival, King Street Corner Pocket Jazz Festival, and Jazzwerkstatt Festival (Austria).
There’s something for all contemporary and jazz music fans in this bold big band program simply not to be missed.
Tickets to all Jazz at The Maj shows, including the The Golden Age of Swing in August, are available from ptt.wa.gov.au/wayjo
Alana appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
What people are saying about Alana’s Music;
“Alana is not only is an excellent saxophone player, but she is finding her own unique voice as a composer, arranger and band-leader. She’s a fan of Bob Brookmeyer’s music and you can hear a clear continuation of his concepts in her writing.” – Ed Partyka 2019
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #JazzAtTheMaj #BasieAndBeyond
Act Belong Commit Jazz at The Maj for Schools
Students and teachers may also enjoy a special 1-hour school concert-workshop with Alana, Friday 11 June, 3.00pm.
School workshops are great value at just $15 (+bf) per student or teacher/parent – plus you receive 1 complimentary ticket per 9 purchased. School bookings can only be made by calling Perth Theatre Trust group bookings on 6212 9291, or email groups@ptt.wa.gov.au
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #ActBelongCommit #JazzSchool #BasieAndBeyond
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley
WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
Photos by Simon Reithofer, Reithofer Media
