Each year the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) appoints a different a Composer-in-Residence who collaborates with WAYJO to develop three new works with the Orchestra.

This is the second year the Composer-in-Residence program has been running and is an important way for WAYJO to acquire new and innovative music by up and coming young artists. The program is by invitation only and suitable candidates are identified by WAYJO’s artistic committee. 

It’s also a significant part of the WAYJO musicians' development in learning to collaborate and work with composers. The Composer-in-Residence program has been made possible through the generous support of the McCusker Charitable Foundation.

Alice Humphries, who has recently completed her honours in composition at the WA Academy of Performing Arts, specialises in contemporary jazz and has been appointed to the position for 2010.

 “I’m honoured to have been selected as WAYJO’s 2010 Composer-in-Residence, it’s really a fantastic opportunity and I am looking forward to being able to compose with freedom and creativity – all with the expert support, encouragement and assistance of WAYJO,” saidAlice.

WAYJO Artistic Director, Mace Francis welcomed the appointment “Alice is an exceptional talent and I am really enjoying working with her,” he said.

About Alice Humphries

Alice Humphries began her Bachelor of Music (jazz) on saxophone in 2005, winning the Perth Jazz Society encouragement award in her first year. In 2006, she was a finalist in the James Morrison Scholarship in Mt Gambier. Alice chose to major in composition, studying with Graeme Lyall. In her final year she was a finalist in the Melville Toyota Scholarship and won the Bob Wylie Scholarship for Most Outstanding Graduation Recital.

In 2008 Alice presented a concert of new works in collaboration with Daniel Thorne on commission from the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and Jazz WA. Alice then travelled to New York, London and around Europe exploring the music scene outside Australia.

She has written for many ensembles including Eneksis, WA Youth Jazz Orchestra, The Mat Jodrell All Star Big Band and the Alice Humphries/Daniel Thorne Dectet as well as for brass quintet and wind ensemble.

In 2009 Alice was awarded the Tura New Music Commission Prize for Composition. This award, presented to a final year WAAPA composition student, involves a cash prize to be used as a commission for a new work. Humphries plans to use her commissioning prize to compose a new work for chamber jazz ensemble that combines a contemporary jazz writing style with contemporary and experimental classical ideas.