WA Youth Jazz Orchestra

WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Seeks to engage and inspire emerging jazz players, composers and conductors. Big Band Jazz. Concerts. Workshops. International Guest Artists.

Since 1983, WA Youth Jazz Orchestra has provided opportunity and inspiration to some of Australia’s most outstanding jazz artists. WAYJO has earned acclaim for performances of the highest caliber, and regularly works with award-winning Australian and international artists. WAYJO produces and annual season of outstanding jazz music, from classics to brave new contemporary work, as well as running educational and touring programs.

For more than 40 years, we have helped young musicians build creativity, confidence, collaboration and leadership skills...
08/06/2026

For more than 40 years, we have helped young musicians build creativity, confidence, collaboration and leadership skills through world-class jazz education, performance and mentorship.

At WAYJO, we’re not just teaching jazz - we’re shaping futures.

As we approach the End of Financial Year, we invite you to support the next generation of musicians with a tax-deductible donation. Whether you choose to make a one-off gift or join our Giving Circle, every contribution helps keep our programs accessible and sustainable for young people across WA.

Thank you for being part of the WAYJO community and supporting our musicians!

Donate now: https://wayjo.com/support/private-giving/

📷 Josh Wells Photography

03/06/2026

One of the pieces that will be performed at our next concert with guest artist Holli Scott is Orwell’s Wife, from Holli's acclaimed album Weather and Weeds feat. Tal Cohen and Jamie Oehlers. Happening at The Ellington Jazz Club on Thursday 11 June, the song has been specially arranged for the 18-piece Catalyst Jazz Orchestra by Music Director Gemma Farrell.

Described by ABC Jazz’s Monica Trapaga as “a true poet… deep, gutsy, human, and very vulnerable”, Holli’s music draws on jazz, folk and contemporary influences to create performances that are immersive and emotionally resonant.

A former WAYJO member (2014–15), Holli returns to collaborate with the next generation of jazz musicians in a program of original works and jazz standards.

Only 22 tickets remain!

Tickets: https://www.ellingtonjazz.com.au/tc-events/wayjo-presents-holli-scottbrwith-the-catalyst-jazz-orchestra/

RSVP: Holli Scott with the Catalyst Jazz Orchestra

Registrations are open for Progressions - supporting young female, trans and non-binary instrumentalists exploring jazz ...
21/05/2026

Registrations are open for Progressions - supporting young female, trans and non-binary instrumentalists exploring jazz and improvised music 🎶

Across eight Saturday workshops at Perth Modern School from 25 July, participants will develop improvisation and ensemble skills, build confidence, and prepare for live public performances in a supportive environment. No audition required.

Reduced-price early bird registrations are open until 30 May.

More info/register: https://wayjo.com/education/progressions/

Start your day with some big band swing as our 18-piece Catalyst Jazz Orchestra performs music from the iconic Ella and ...
20/05/2026

Start your day with some big band swing as our 18-piece Catalyst Jazz Orchestra performs music from the iconic Ella and Basie! repertoire 🎶

Held Downstairs At The Maj on Thursday 28 May at 11am, this relaxed one-hour morning concert celebrates the golden era of jazz in the intimate downstairs space at His Majesty's.

Expect classic toe-tapping tunes and the warm, full sound of a live big band.

🎟 Tickets: https://bit.ly/4uYNVNh
RSVP: Ella & Basie: Swinging into the Morning

WAYJO is seeking a Treasurer to join our Board 🏦 We’re inviting Expressions of Interest for this voluntary role, support...
06/05/2026

WAYJO is seeking a Treasurer to join our Board 🏦 We’re inviting Expressions of Interest for this voluntary role, supporting the organisation’s financial sustainability and governance while contributing to the future of youth jazz in WA.

If you have financial expertise, sound judgement, and a connection to the arts or youth development, we’d love to hear from you. Board experience is welcome but not essential.

📅 EOIs close Friday 22 May
👉 Find out more and apply: https://wayjo.com/news/expression-of-interest-treasurer-volunteer-board-role/

Please feel free to share with your networks!

📷 WAYJO performing at the Swinging Sweethearts Big Band Ball by Josh Wells Photography

The Perth show of Women in Big Band at The Ellington Jazz Club is sold out! 🎤🎹  Don’t miss your chance to catch the tour...
29/04/2026

The Perth show of Women in Big Band at The Ellington Jazz Club is sold out! 🎤🎹 Don’t miss your chance to catch the tour this coming weekend in Albany and Margaret River.

Featuring our Dynamic Jazz Orchestra alongside pianist and vocalist Sue Bluck, Women in Big Band celebrates the women who shaped the sound of jazz - from Melba Liston and Mary Lou Williams to contemporary voices writing for big band today.

📍 Albany Entertainment Centre
Friday
https://www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/venues/albany-entertainment-centre/whats-on/women-in-big-band/

📍 Margaret River HEART - Nala Bardip Mia
Saturday
https://artsmargaretriver.com/event/women-in-big-band/

Women in Big Band is a Playing WA Tour presented with CircuitWest and WA Government.

📷 Josh Wells Photography

Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport,
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Women in Big Band is coming soon to a WA town near you! 🎶Presented in collaboration with CircuitWest, this Playing WA to...
20/04/2026

Women in Big Band is coming soon to a WA town near you! 🎶

Presented in collaboration with CircuitWest, this Playing WA tour celebrates the women who shaped the sound of jazz - from trailblazers like Melba Liston, Mary Lou Williams and Toshiko Akiyoshi to contemporary voices writing for big band today.

Featuring our Dynamic and Catalyst Jazz Orchestras alongside pianist and vocalist Sue Bluck, the program highlights the depth, innovation and impact of women’s writing and artistry in big band music.

Tour dates and tickets:

📍 Albany Entertainment Centre
Fri 1 May
https://www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/venues/albany-entertainment-centre/whats-on/women-in-big-band/

📍 Margaret River HEART - Nala Bardip Mia
Sat 2 May
https://artsmargaretriver.com/event/women-in-big-band/

📍 The Ellington Jazz Club - Perth
Sun 3 May
https://www.ellingtonjazz.com.au/tc-events/women-in-big-band-ft-sue-bluckbrwith-wayjos-dynamic-jazz-orchestra/

📍 BREC
Fri 7 Aug
https://www.bunburyentertainment.com/whats-on/women-in-big-band/

📍 Williams Town Hall (Arts Narrogin)
Sat 8 Aug
https://artsnarrogin.com.au/event/women-in-big-band/

Women in Big Band is a Playing WA Tour presented with CircuitWest and WA Government

Photos by Josh Wells Photography 💛
16/04/2026

Photos by Josh Wells Photography 💛

A wonderful evening of big band swing and dancing at Government House Western Australia, as the Resonance Jazz Orchestra...
09/04/2026

A wonderful evening of big band swing and dancing at Government House Western Australia, as the Resonance Jazz Orchestra brought the golden era of swing to life alongside Perth Swing Dance Society. A packed dance floor, timeless music and an electric atmosphere made it a night to remember - beautifully captured by Josh Wells Photography.

At our Season Launch, we celebrated two extraordinary contributors to WAYJO! 🎉Andrea Stimson received the inaugural Roge...
31/03/2026

At our Season Launch, we celebrated two extraordinary contributors to WAYJO! 🎉

Andrea Stimson received the inaugural Roger Garrood Award for Dedicated Service, recognising her incredible work in establishing and supporting the Northern Corridor Training Band, and her ongoing dedication to nurturing young musicians.

We were also delighted to induct Aaron Wyatt into the WAYJO Hall of Fame, recognising his remarkable career as a violist, conductor, composer and researcher, and his inspiring achievements as a Noongar musician on the national and international stage.

Congrats Andrea and Aaron - thanks for the impact you continue to have on our community 💛

Read more: https://wayjo.com/news/wayjo-honours-aaron-wyatt-andrea-stimson/

📷 Josh Wells Photography

Address

Guildford Road
Maylands, WA
6051

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+61 8 9471 1950

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