The inaugural 2013 Perth International Jazz Festival is almost upon us!

A three-day event held from May 24 to 26, 2013, the Festival will feature more than 40 performances over seven stages.

WAYJO will feature at the Perth Cultural Centre (a free entry stage) at 12.30pm on Sunday May 26th. This will be a great opportunity to hear innovative new music by WAYJO’s Composer in Residence Brodie McAllister and Sam Timmerman. WAYJO’s Artistic Director, Mace Francis, will also be playing with his band, the Mace Francis Orchestra, at the Cultural Centre on Saturday 25 May.

See the full program here.

Like the Festival’s Facebook page here.

2013 marks the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra’s 30 year anniversary and to commemorate this milestone they have launched their most significant program yet.

“This program is the biggest and best program that WAYJO has put together… We want to show the versatility, diversity and talent that these young musicians are capable of …(and) have really tried to include a little bit of everything for everyone who has ever been in contact with WAYJO over the past 30 years.“ explains WAYJO’s Artistc Director, Mace Francis.

Originating in 1983 WAYJO has been a constant underlying figure of the contemporary Perth music scene with most local musicians having come into contact with the organisation in one way or another over the years.

“WAYJO has grown so much since I first joined the band as a guitarist in 2001 and I am so proud to be still involved with such an inspiring and committed team all working together to offer young aspiring musicians opportunities which will enrich their lives as either professional musicians or music enthusiasts.” continues Francis.

In more recent times WAYJO have performed with many prominent jazz artists such as Jim McNeely, Ed Partyka, Fred Wesley, Frank Foster, Don Burrows, Joe Chindamo and this year will be no different.  Presenting an impressive program with four internationally renowned guest artists; Australia’s most beloved trumpet player James Morrison; renowned New York trumpeter Jim Rotondi; critically acclaimed big band composer Darcy James Argue; and Melbourne born Grammy Award nominee Tim Davies. WAYJO will also be holding one of 30^th Anniversary Gala Concert, returning to the historical Astor Theatre, all three WAYJO bands will be joined by an all-star alumni line-up as they tribute the past and celebrate the future.

Whilst revisiting some of their favourite venues such as the State Theatre Centre, the Ellington Jazz Club and Devilles Pad, WAYJO will also be entering into new territory performing with the wickedly edgy Darcy James Argue at one of Perth’s notorious music hubs, the Bakery.

“Ground-breaking artist Darcy James Argue blends the full breadth of jazz tradition with raw, modern musical energy and classical finesse…(He) is at the forefront of the international contemporary jazz scene, and during his first visit to Australia, will perform with WAYJO in a WA exclusive.” explains WAYJO General Manager, Fiona Symonds.

Along with these headlining concerts WAYJO will continue presenting a wide range of performances throughout 2013 averaging almost one performance a week.  Click here to view the official 2013 WAYJO Program.

Sam Timmerman photo by Peter Bui

We are happy to announce the successful applicants for the WAYJO / McCusker Charitable Foundation National Composer-in-Residence Program are;

Composer in Residence – Brodie McAllister

Associate Composer in Residence – Sam Timmerman

After receiving an unexpectedly large number of submissions, WAYJO’s Artistic Director, Mace Francis, expressed how impressed he was with the overall quality of the applications.

Congratulations to Brodie and Sam, we look forward to seeing what these two talented composers will bring to WAYJO in 2013.

It is also with great excitement that we can confirm all three bands have been finalised for 2013!

A big thank you to everyone who auditioned, the Music Directors were inundated with a vast array of talented musicians, making the decision-making process no easy feat.

Congratulations to all of the successful 2013 band members, it’s great to see some familiar faces along with some new ones too, and we look forward to working with you all in the New Year.

To those who were not successful, please do not be disheartened, the calibre of musicians auditioning were of an unprecedented standard and we certainly hope to see you again at next year’s auditions.

I can’t believe 2012 is nearly at an end. What an amazing, inspiring, and exciting time it has been. From the fabulous concerts with Ed Partyka in March to the inaugural WAYJO Big Band Festival in late November, it’s been a year of stand-out performances for all three bands.

My sincere thanks go to our exceptional musicians and dedicated board and staff for making it such a joy to work at WAYJO. I’m also very grateful to our partners, donors and supporters, who allow us to provide unique artistic and professional development opportunities to some of Australia’s best young jazz artists.

Next year is WAYJO’s 30th anniversary, and it’s set to be our most innovative and memorable to date. Make sure you stay tuned for our January program release – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

From all of us at WAYJO, have a safe and happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing you in 2013.

Fiona
General Manager

Christmas Closure:

Please note the WAYJO Office will be closed between 22 December and 6 January inclusive.

In the October edition, we spoke to Composer’s Ensemble saxophonist and WAYJO Orchestra Manager, Laura Corney.

What is your musical background?
My mum had decided that she wanted to learn the saxophone when I was in primary school, so when it came time for all the kids to pick up a band instrument the sax was already in the house, although I’m sure I would have picked the cello or the drums if I had had my choice! I started doing AMEB grades and by default became a ‘classical’ musician, following the momentum I decided to continue my music studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, completing a double degree and honours in classical performance and music education. I really enjoyed my studies there, and even did some classroom music teaching for about a year after graduating, as well as being in a professional sax quartet and original indie band. However, I loved going out to watch jazz at places like 505 in Sydney and decided to start learning how to improvise. When I realised how challenging and fun it was I knew I had to pursue further studies, so here I am at WAAPA, about to graduate with a Bachelor of Jazz.

What is your favourite album or artist at the moment?
There’s so many to choose from. I’ve been listening to a lot of Joe Henderson as of late and an album from bass player Chris Morrissey called “The Morning World”, I’m falling in love with his sax player Michael Lewis too. I never get sick of listening to Radiohead or Bjork, either.

What is your most memorable WAYJO moment?
Again, there’s so many, I might have to name a few: Allira and Jim McNeely’s version of But Beautiful made me cry whilst on stage both at the Ellington and the State Theatre, it was so beautiful. The performance with Frank Tortillier at the Hale School was so fast and exhilarating, I never felt the Composers Ensemble play with such tight focus, it was amazing. Ed Partyka throwing his score up into the air during Get Happy was crazy, I couldn’t play because I was laughing at his maniacal face. Also with Ed in rehearsals, realising how deeply the band could adjust their tuning depending on what note of the chord they are playing, and thus how together our sound could be. Walking in on the soundcheck at Bluebeat in Sydney with the Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra playing with Chris Potter on stage, we were all speechless! Karoke at a Chinese restaurant in Melbourne while on tour, with the other dinner patrons applauding. Also just the weekly ritual of rehearsals – so satisfying!

If you had the opportunity to play with any musician out there, who would it be and why?
It would have to be Bjork. I have so much respect for the worlds she creates with her music. Same for Sufjan Stevens. I’d also love to play with Robert Glasper or Brad Meldhau – they would make everything sound amazing and rich. Miguel Atwood Ferguson Orchestra, Chris Dave and Flying Lotus, the Bad Plus, and the Australian Art Orchestra too. And of course, it would be a dream to play with the Village Vanguard Orchestra!

What are your career aspirations or future plans?
To play with all of the musicians mentioned in the previous question! I really want to have a band that plays and jams together regularly which writes its own music. I’d love to record an album that myself and other people can connect with, that creates another world through sound (apologies for the lame clichés!). I also have a pretty strong desire to travel, learn Spanish and Portuguese, become a yoga instructor, climb Mt Everest…..the list goes on!

If you would like to sign up to the Word on WAYJO e-newsletter, please provide your name and email address at the top of this web page next to SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER.

Join all three of WAYJO’s ensembles for the last time in 2012, as these young musicians perform together once more after a year of honing of their skills and playing some incredible jazz music.

WAYJO will be joined on stage by the biggest and best of Perth’s jazz bands including Horizon Art Orchestra, Oz Big Band, Hip Mo’ Toast, Ben & Tilman Experience, Retrosonics and MFO.

Come down and check out the children’s activities and food stalls or bring a picnic and kick-back in the beautiful surrounds of Hyde Park.

For more information head to the event page or check out our Facebook.

Supported by the City of Vincent and the Stan Perron Charitable Trust.

You can catch Once All Very Small every Wednesday from 7-9pm as the house band for Sorrento Restaurant in Northbridge. Emma’s soprano vocals front this jazz quartet for a refreshing take on standards, cross-genre covers and the blues, as well as some new tunes that will keep you coming back. Fabulous Italian food, wine and jazz every week!

Raw Silk are a 5-part vocal group performing the likes of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy to Ed Sheeren’s Lego House. All the singers (including current WAYJO members Sam Timmerman and Tom Greble) are multi-instrumentalists, allowing Raw Silk to accompany themselves with an impressive range of instruments and vocal mimicry to match. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for performance details.

If you’re WAYJO alumni and would like to notify WAYJO of your upcoming gigs, please email marketing@wayjo.com.

This is an opportunity to have your contribution to WAYJO recognised, or to undertake professional development opportunities which may not otherwise be available to you.
If you wish to become a professional musician, it’s important for you to know how to develop funding applications.

The application process for these scholarships is not difficult, but some consideration is required.

We recommend that you discuss your submission with Mace and/or Fiona prior to applying. We’re happy to assist you if you need any advice.

WAYJO COMMUNITY AWARDS

Three awards of $300 each will be offered (one per band).

The Awards are given based on performance, attendance, punctuality, organisation, assistance in setting up and packing down and a positive attitude towards band-mates and WAYJO.

No application is required for this Award. The winner is selected by the Music Directors in consultation with the General Manager.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP

Three awards of $1,000 each will be offered (one per band).

This scholarship will require a formal application to be made to WAYJO.

This scholarship is intended to allow the successful applicant to work on a specific project (for example, a new commission or performance opportunity) or to assist in purchasing a new instrument. Please include support materials where you think it will help us to assess your application.

Applications will be assessed by the Artistic Director and General Manager and recommendations will be approved by the Chair, with input from the Board and staff if required.

A formal acquittal will be required. WAYJO will provide an acquittal form and we are happy to help with the completion of this.

JACK BENDAT TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP

Available to members of the Composers Ensemble and Big Band only.

Total funding pool of $10,600. One or two scholarships will be offered, of $5,000 – $10,000 each.

The Jack Bendat Travel Scholarship is for WAYJO members who wish to travel interstate or overseas to further their music career. The Scholarship is intended to contribute toward the cost of expenses such as: Formal tuition in composition or performance; Airfares or other travel expenses; Accommodation; Living allowances; Other expenses associated with travel to another Australian or overseas city for the purposes of the study.

A formal application is required for this Scholarship, including a detailed description of your plans, whether or not you have confirmation of acceptance and whether you have applied for any other funding. Please include support materials where you think it will help us to assess your application.

Applications will be assessed by the Artistic Director and General Manager and recommendations will be approved by the Chair, with input from the Board and staff if required.

A formal acquittal will be required for this scholarship. WAYJO will provide an acquittal form and we are happy to help with the completion of this.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for either scholarship, please download and complete the application form and send it together with any support materials to:

email: fiona.symonds@wayjo.com;

or

post: Fiona Symonds
PO Box 140
Mt Lawley WA 6929

Applications must be received by 5pm Monday 19 November, 2012. The successful applicants will be announced at the wind-up on Tuesday, 27 November 2012.

If you have any questions or would like help with your application, please contact Fiona on fiona.symonds@wayjo.com or Mace on mf@macefrancis.com.

Jamie Oehlers is one of the most accomplished saxophonists in Australia today. Joining WAYJO at the age of 14, Jamie then went on to study at the WA Academy of Performing Arts before undertaking a scholarship at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has also studied under some of the world’s finest jazz musicians in New York City, including Dave Liebman, George Coleman, Hal Crook and George Garzone. Since then, Jamie has continued to perform, record and teach music in Australia and internationally.

He has played at major festivals including the JVC Jazz Festival in New York, BBC London Jazz Festival, Jazz Yatra in India, Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, Edinburgh Jazz Festival, Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival in Rome, Galway Jazz Festival, Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales, Jazz Alive Festival in New Zealand and many more throughout Australia.

Jamie has collaborated with many international jazz artists including Aaron Goldberg, Charlie Haden, Reuben Rogers, Rufus Reid, Jamie Cullum, Curtis Lundy, Dale Barlow and Megan Washington among others. He is a member of the Paul Grabowsky Quartet and Sextet, the Australian Art Orchestra and leads the groups Blowfish, the Jamie Oehlers Quartet, Memory of Elements and Lost and Found.

In 2003 Jamie was the winner of the World Saxophone Competition at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. He has also won numerous awards in Australia including an Australian Jazz “Bell” Award for Best Australian Jazz Artist and three for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, a WAMI Award for International Achievement and a James Morrison Scholarship just to name a few.

He has released numerous recordings, including 10 CDs as a leader, such as “Smoke and Mirrors” (with US drummer Ari Hoenig), “The Differences” (with Australian vocalist Gian Slater) and “On a Clear Day” (with Paul Grabowsky – winner of the Limelight Award for Best Jazz Release) on Jazzhead Records. As a sideman, Jamie has recorded on another 30+ releases.

Jamie has also been a saxophone and improvisation tutor at the Victorian College of the Arts and Monash University in Melbourne. He is currently the Coordinator of Jazz Studies at the WA Academy of Performing Arts.