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.


Young Women in Jazz Concert (2022)

Progressions

Progressions, WAYJO’s Pathways Program for female identifying and non-binary instrumentalists encompassing workshops focused on jazz and improvisation, takes to the stage for their 2023 showcase under the Musical Direction of Gemma Farrell.

Run in Perth since 2014 and developed in 2002 by Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) and Dr. Sandy Evans OAM, these workshops have seen young female and non-binary musicians build support networks, refine their skills, and increase confidence while learning about jazz and improvised music from some of Perth’s most accomplished jazz professionals.

We invite you to support these talented young people as they demonstrate their newly acquired skills in a fun and inspirational performance at the culmination of 8-weeks of intensive workshopping.

Progressions
6pm – 8pm, Sunday 2 July
Lyric’s Underground
BOOK TICKETS

Progressions is presented in association with the Sydney Improvised Music Association, with venue support by the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

Progressions is part of WAYJO’s Pathways Education Program, supported by Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit message, and major partner The Minderoo Foundation.


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

Young Women in Jazz 2019

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

 

Click to download printable PDF poster
Click 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


CANCELLED - Young Women in Jazz 2020

PLEASE NOTE: In response to COVID-19, WAYJO sadly announce cancellation of young Women in Jazz for 2020.

Ticket holders for this show; Ellington Jazz Club will process a refund.
If you can, please consider a ticket refund or other donation to WAYJO at https://wayjo.com/support

Full statement: https://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.

 

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 afternoon 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 2020
Sun 21 Jun, 6.00pm
The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
Tickets only from Ellington Jazz Club
http://bit.ly/WAYJO20-YWIJ

* NOTE: Registrations to participate in the workshops and concert close Fri 24 Apr 2020, 5.00pm at wayjo.com/young-women-in-jazz

Young Women in Jazz 2019


2020 Young Women in Jazz Registrations Open

WAYJO is calling for female identifying instrumentalist aged 14 to 25, interested in playing or studying jazz or improvised music, to take part in workshops to collaborate and learn with fellow female musicians.

Young Women in Jazz is an 8-week series of Saturday workshops, commencing 2 May 2020. Conducted in small groups with leading guest artists, educators and WAYJO Alumnae, these workshops build support networks, refine skills and increase performer confidence.

This year’s special guest tutors include the international multi-award winning vocalist Kristin Berardi, and legendary pianist/composer Judy Bailey.

A final public performance, held at the Ellington Jazz Club on Sunday 21 June, will showcase the participants newly acquired skills in a professional jazz venue setting.

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

WAYJO acknowledges program partners SIMA (Sydney Improvised Music Association) as well as St John of God Health Care for their continued support of the program here in Western Australia.

Registrations for the 2020 Young Women in Jazz Program open Friday 20 December, 2019 and close Friday 24 April, 2020.

For more information about the Young Women in Jazz program, or to register, please visit wayjo.com/young-women-in-jazz 

#YoungWomenInJazz

Contacts

Gemma Farrell
Young Women in Jazz Program Coordinator 
education@wayjo.com

Justine Thornley
WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950

 

Young Women in Jazz 2019
2019 Young Women in Jazz Participants