‘Progressions’ will encompass workshops and performances focused on jazz and improvisation, and will take to the stage of Lyric’s Underground in Perth under the musical direction of Gemma Farrell.

The programme has been run in Perth since 2014, following development in 2002. The workshops have seen young female and non-binary musicians build support networks, refine their skills, and increase confidence. Not to mention learning about jazz, and the art of improvisation. . . From some of Perth’s most accomplished jazz professionals.

The programme was originally called Young Women In Jazz, but recently underwent a name change after consideration and consultation with gender-diverse individuals.

Before the instrumentalists hit the stage for the performance of ‘Progressions’, we speak to Musical Director Gemma Farrell.

Why is ‘Progressions’ something that WAYJO were keen to do?
There has always been a distinct lack of women and girls getting involved in jazz, and once they are involved it’s hard to keep them. WAYJO were keen to take on the programme which was initially known as Young Women In Jazz at the same time that SIMA were looking to branch the course out to other Australian states in the hopes that by taking some initiative in education, we would see change in the industry, as well as in the WAYJO bands.

It’s something that has existed since 2014. What would you say is the main purpose and main drive behind the programme?
To change the industry and let women, non-binary and trans people know that they are welcome in jazz and to be able to educate in a judgment free, inclusive environment.

It’s a new name for the programme. Why was there a name change?
After feedback from our members, consultation with gender-diverse individuals and much consideration, we have refreshed the name of our much-loved and long-running pathways programme, Young Women In Jazz. This new name reflects the inclusive values of WAYJO as an organisation and expands access to those genders often on the outskirts of jazz and caters for female and non-binary identifying instrumentalists who would like to learn more about jazz and improvised music, perform live at a professional jazz club, and work with some of Australia’s leading female jazz professionals.

Those involved in ‘Progressions’ will take to the stage for a showcase. What can audiences expect?
There are four ensembles performing at the concert. So one concert, but four student groups, followed by a tutor performance to finalise the concert. Audiences can expect common jazz standards as well as music from ‘New Standards: 101 Lead Sheets By Women Composers’ by Terri Lyne Carrington. She is Founder and Artistic Director of the Berklee Institute Of Jazz And Gender Justice, has curated a wide range of jazz compositions written by women composers, from obscure to popular, historic to current, blues to be bebop, and beyond in this important collection. These compositions are supplementary and alternatives to the ‘jazz standard’ canon that has served students, teachers and professionals throughout the development of jazz music. The compositions span nearly a century, including Lil Hardin Armstrong's work from 1922 to songs written in 2021 by recent Institute graduates. It features 101 compositions from a remarkable range of acknowledged titans, young visionaries and unsung heroes in jazz: Mary Lou Williams, Alice Coltrane, Esperanza Spalding, Geri Allen, Maria Schneider, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Dorothy Ashby, Nubya Garcia, Nicole Mitchell and many others. The book includes a 1922 piece by the influential Lil Hardin Armstrong and songs written in 2021 by emerging artists from Carrington's Berklee Institute Of Jazz And Gender Justice. New Standards also celebrates the global world of jazz, from Chilean tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana to Japanese American pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi and other international composers.

The performance is the culmination of eight weeks of workshopping. What sorts of things do the people involved get to learn and experience throughout those eight weeks?
Over these weeks they have been workshopping their skills performing in a small group such as improvisation, communication and leadership skills. The standard of students we are getting through improves every year and this year we have seen the highest level year. We are excited to see what these amazing students have in store for their future.

Talk a bit about your role in this, as Musical Director.
My role involves:
- Deciding what tunes each group is going to perform each year and sourcing the music.
- Putting together the workbooks for each student.
- Looking at the enrolments we have each year and putting together ensembles made up of students at similar stages in their musical development where possible.
- Programming the workshops, knowing which tutors we have when, deciding when to do rehearsals and when to do instrument workshops.
- Liaising with the parents and students and other WAYJO staff about the workshop details and the final concert.
- Running one of the ensembles and being the ‘horn tutor’, the tutor who workshops brass and woodwinds.

‘Progressions’ plays Lyric’s Underground (Perth) 2 July.