WAYJO is Australia’s leading youth jazz orchestra and one of the country’s cultural gems. It provides a unique experience for jazz musicians aged 14 to 25 who are the absolute cream of young jazz players from Western Australia and beyond.
WAYJO comprises three big band ensembles and perform at more than 50 events each year. Small ensembles also regularly provide entertainment for more intimate corporate and private events.
WAYJO gives young jazz musicians outstanding artistic and professional opportunities and allows them to perform alongside award-winning guest artists such as Fred Wesley, Frank Foster, James Morrison, Kate Ceberano, Rhonda Birchmore, Don Burrows, Joe Chindamo, John Morrison and Libby Hammer.
A unique hothouse for Australia’s young jazz musicians, WAYJO provides the bridge from aspiring musician to industry professional. WAYJO’s three ensembles perform for around 20,000 people each year at venues from small hip jazz haunts to parks and major concert centres.
Perth’s vibrant live jazz scene is a testament to the power of the WAYJO experience. Almost every jazz, swing, lounge and big band now performing in Perth has current or past members of WAYJO. Local jazz giants – Jamie Oehlers, Libby Hammer, Graham Wood and Carl Mackey – all played their way through WAYJO. Some past WAYJO members making their way overseas include Linda Oh, Troy Roberts, Daniel Susnjar, Graeme Blevins, Becc Sanderson and Mat Jodrell.
