User:Wayjojazz/sandbox

The West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) is an Australian youth jazz orchestra based in Perth, Western Australia. WAYJO has 54 jazz musicians between 14 to 25 years of age and currently presents over 55 performances a year across Australia.

History
The West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra was founded in 1983. The original band was formed from secondary school students from the music specialist schools, young local musicians and some of the original students of the inaugural Jazz Studies course at the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). By the early 1990s WAYJO had grown to two bands and by the late 1990s three bands were in operation each with its own Music Director, which remains the position today. The three bands are the Composers Ensemble, the Big Band and the Swing Band. Each band works on specific repertoire which builds on the existing skill levels of the musicians.

Bands
Composers Ensemble The Composers Ensemble is WAYJO’s premiere ensemble, playing a variety of big band styles from the swing era to contemporary jazz. The focus is on presenting modern Australian composers including a program to promote local WA emerging composers.

Big Band The WAYJO Big Band presents big band music in the style of the 1950s and 60s – Big brass sounds with a swingin’ feeling. Count Basie and Duke Ellington classics are performed along with music from Thad Jones, Bill Holman, Gordon Goodwin and Bob Mintzer.

Swing Band The WAYJO Swing Band takes its repertoire from Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Sy Oliver, Fletcher Henderson and Tommy Dorsey.

Graduates & Alumni

 * Jamie Oehlers (saxophone)
 * Libby Hammer
 * Graham Wood
 * Carl Mackey
 * Troy Roberts (saxophone)
 * Daniel Susnjar (drums)
 * Graeme Blevins (saxophone)
 * Mat Jodrell (trumpet)
 * Sarah McKenzie (piano)
 * Jordan Murray (trombone)
 * Catherine Noblet (trombone)
 * Andrew Murray (trombone)

Featured Composers
Australian Graeme LyallJames Morrison Julian Lee Mace Francis Daryl McKenzie Grant Windsor Michael Wallace Daniel Thorne Tilman Robinson

International Bob Brookmeyer Ed Partyka Maria Schneider References: