2021 Youth Band INFORMATION PACKET

Prepared by Toshi Clinch P a g e 2

Contents

Overview ...... 3 2021 Guest artists ...... 4 2021 program ...... 6 project details ...... 7 important information ...... 9 audition process ...... 10 selection criteria ...... 11 scholarships & awards ...... 11 meet the director ...... 13 contact ...... 13

j a z z m e l b o u r n e . o r g P a g e 3

Overview

The Jazz Youth Band Program is a year long initiative that brings together students from across and focuses on promoting jazz education within . Bands are comprised of students aged 16-21 and perform multiple times throughout the year alongside a variety of renowned artists. In the past these have included Mat Jodrell (AUS), Tanya Darby (USA), Richard DeRosa (USA), Dick Oatts (USA) and many more. Additionally, those involved with the program are provided opportunities to develop their composition and arranging skills within the bands, culminating in a recording project and performance featuring student compositions. For 2021, each band will feature four projects throughout the year with two performances per project at the Paris Cat Jazz Club.

Blind auditions are held each year for the program, with successful applicants being eligible for a variety of scholarships and awards. The big bands are tiered based on the difficulty of material they perform, with all bands requiring a high level of instrumental proficiency. Each band receives the same amount of rehearsals and performance opportunities throughout the year, and operate at a standard between high school and professional caliber.

Jazz Melbourne is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students, with all artists, volunteers, and staff going through a series of checks to maintain child safety standards. For more information on our child safety policy please visit the Jazz Melbourne website.

Big band instrumentation

Each band features the standard big band format: 5 (One lead player, two section players, two improv players) 4 Trombones (One lead player, two section/improv players, one bass trombone player) 5 Saxes (Two alto sax players, two tenor sax players, one baritone sax player) 5 Rhythm (One pianist, one guitarist, one bassist, one drummer, one percussionist)

j a z z m e l b o u r n e . o r g P a g e 4 2021 Guest Artists nick mulder (AUS)

Born in Melbourne in 1973, Nick studied under Bob Hower at the Elder Conservatorium of Music before embarking on a freelance career. He has a national profile as a performer and composer and has performed with artists including Ray Charles, George Garzone, John Clayton, John Riley, Bill Cunliffe and Chuck Findlay. Nick currently leads a number of jazz groups and composes and arranges music primarily for big band.

In addition to his performing career, Nick is Head of Performing Arts at Carey Grammar and is in demand as a guest clinician and adjudicator around Australia.

angela Davis (AUS)

Described by the Age as having ‘an instinctively melodic approach’, Aria Award nominated saxophonist Angela Davis is a unique and sought-after musician currently based in Melbourne. She holds a Masters of Music from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and during her time overseas recorded two critically acclaimed albums as a leader – ‘The Art Of The Melody’ and ‘Lady Luck.’ The Art Of the Melody, was released in May of 2013 to rave reviews throughout the USA and Australia in publications such as the New York City Jazz Record, All About Jazz and The Weekend Australian. The album was officially released at the world-renowned New York City venue - The Kitano.

After receiving the Brian Boak Outstanding Performer Bursary in 2014, Davis was able to record her second album as a leader entitled Lady Luck, featuring Dan Tepfer, Linda Oh, Richie Barshay and a string quartet. Lady Luck was shortlisted for three 2016 Australian Bell Awards including Best Instrumental Jazz Album, Best Produced Album and Best Australian Jazz Composition. Her most recent release ‘Little Did They Know’ (ABC Jazz) was nominated for a 2019 Aria Award for best jazz album and features Australian Jazz greats Sam Anning and Tony Gould.

As a bandleader, Angela has been featured in the Emerging Artists Series at the Bar Next Door in New York and has performed at the International Jazz Festival, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, the Wangaratta Jazz Festival, among other events. She has had the opportunity to perform with numerous jazz luminaries including Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Vince Jones, James Morrison, Kristen Berardi, Dan Tepfer, Linda Oh. Since relocating the Melbourne Angela has become a permanent member of various groups including the Johannes Luebers Dectet, The Daryl McKenzie Jazz Orchestra, ATM 15 and Andrea Keller’s Composers Collective. Angela currently holds the position of Lecturer in Jazz at the James Morrison Academy of Music at UNI SA and in the last two years has held workshops at Monash Univeristy and The Conservatorium of Music.

j a z z m e l b o u r n e . o r g P a g e 5

ross irwin (AUS)

Ross Irwin is a singer-songwriter, trumpeter and arranger/composer from Melbourne, Australia. Born to a classical soprano mother, and a folk loving father, Irwin was raised in the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria. Irwin's musical life was born at home. At age 9, he was welcomed into a Brady Bunch-esque step-family of brass players, pianists and conductors. Learning from his brother-in-law, Irwin showed early talent as an instrumentalist, and very quickly developed as a jazz player. Influenced by the greats like Miles Davis, Clifford Brown and Louis Armstrong. At age 15, Irwin was already working professionally as a jazz and commercial trumpeter, playing pubs, restaurants and clubs in his hometown Melbourne.

Since those early days, Irwin has never looked back. Aside from his solo career, he has ended up working as a multi-instrumentalist and sideman with artists like , Brooke Fraser, Magnolia and . His involvement with seminal Australian bands and The Bamboos, to his highly ambitious compositions and arrangements that have been performed by countless big bands and orchestras have cemented him in the Australian music industry. Most recently he has also added co-writer, arranger and producer credits to this list, for bands and artists like Lanu, , The Cat Empire, and The Bamboos. Vashti sivell (AUS)

Vashti Sivell is an energetic keys player, music creator and educator. With a genuine passion to seek meaningful music experiences, she is always on the search for inspired souls to collaborate with and support. She has had musical chapters in Sydney, Melbourne, Japan, Portugal, Macau, Colombia and USA. In 2005 she was the national winner of the ‘Oz Music Awards’ category with an original Latin work. She has a Bachelor of Music (JazzStudies) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and a Master of Music (Performance Teaching) from the University of Melbourne. She deeply believes in the cultural and emotional significance of music with its power to uplift, transform, and create connection.

She has performed at some of Australia’s best music festivals; The Big Day Out, Sydney Bacardi Festival, The Bellingen Global Carnival, , Melbourne Woman’s Jazz Festival, WOMADelaide, Brisbane Festival Spiegeltent and The Blues festival. She has also performed at the Tokyo Hilton, Macau Venetian Casino, Hong Kong Disneyland and was based in New York City for seven years performing and producing music. Since 2017 she has lived in Melbourne performing with: The Chantoozies, Nina Ferro, Eugene Hamilton, Elvis Trilogy, Damien Leith, Claymore, Nicky Bomba, Debra Byrne, Mayito Rivera, Calle Luna, Cumbiamuffin and Gorgi Coghlan. She has produced music for emerging artists, podcasts and TV series and currently lectures at Monash University in and Jazz. P a g e 6

2021 Program

Youth Band ONE Youth Band two

Project One - The Music of Ross Irwin Project One - The Music of Angela Davis Featuring Ross Irwin (AUS) Featuring Angela Davis (AUS) Rehearsals: April 10th, 17th & 24th, Rehearsals: April 17th & 24th May 8th & 15th May 8th, 15th & 22nd Performances: May 19th & 21st Performances: May 23rd & May 28th

Project Two - The Music of Puente & Machito Project Two - The Music of Nick Mulder Featuring Vashti Sivell (AUS) Featuring Nick Mulder (AUS) Rehearsals: May 22 & 29th, Rehearsals: May 29th, June 5th, 12th & 19th June 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th Performances: June 23rd & 25th Performances: June 27th & 30th

Project Three - The Music of Pat Metheny Project Three - The Kansas City Suite Rehearsals: July 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st, Rehearsals: July 17th, 24th & 31st, August 7th August 7th & 14th Performances: August 11th & 13th Performances: August 15th & 18th

Project Four - Student Compositions Project Four - Student Compositions Rehearsals: August 28th, Rehearsals: August 28th, September 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th September 4th, 11th & 18th, October 2nd Performances: September 26th & 29th Performances: October 6th & 10th

Album Recording Rehearsal: October 2nd Recording Session: October 9th & 10th

j a z z m e l b o u r n e . o r g P a g e 7

Project Details

The music of ross irwin - youth band one

For their second project, Youth Band One will be joined by Australian composer and trumpeter Ross Irwin. The project will feature two sets of music composed and arranged by Irwin with students having the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside the legendary Australian musician.

the music of angela davis - youth band TWO

Similarly to Youth Band One, Youth Band Two will feature Australian composer and saxophonist Angela Davis for their second project. The project will feature a variety of compositions written by Davis and arranged by Toshi Clinch for the youth band program.

the music of puente & machito - youth band one

In contrast to the first two projects, Youth Band One will pay tribute to two of the most significant band leaders of Latin Jazz, Tito Puente and Machito. For this project the band will be joined by Australian pianist Vashti Sivell and feature some of the classic Mambo and Cha-Cha-Cha repertoire from both Puente and Machito.

The music of nick mulder - youth band TWO

For their third project, Youth Band Two will be joined by Australian composer and trombonist Nick Mulder. The project will feature Mulder's compositions and arrangements as well as other repertoire that features him on the trombone alongside the band.

The music of pat metheny - youth band one

To kick the year off, the first project for Youth Band One features the music of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays arranged by Bob Curnow. Originally released in 1994 by Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band, the youth band will perform all twelve tracks from the album. Each chart is masterfully arranged by Curnow and highlights all sections in the big band.

j a z z m e l b o u r n e . o r g P a g e

The kansas city suite - youth band TWO

Released in 1960 by Count Basie and his Orchestra, Youth Band Two will perform the entire album for their first project of 2021. All of the compositions are by the legendary composer Benny Carter and will offer a fantastic insight into how to play big band in the style of Count Basie.

student compositions - youth band one & two

To round off 2021, both Youth Bands will feature a whole project dedicated to student compositions and arrangements. All interested students will have the chance to receive assistance from Toshi Clinch throughout the year, with twelve pieces being selected for each band this project.

album recording - youth band one

Directly following the fourth project, Youth Band One will go into the studio for two days to record their annual album. The repertoire will be selected from the student compositions performed in project four, and students in both bands will have the chance to have their composition selected.

j a z z m e l b o u r n e . o r g P a g e 9

Important Information

Rehearsal policy

For the 2021 Youth Program each project will feature five 3 hour rehearsals to create an environment that is situated somewhere between a high school setting and a professional performance. Each student is required to attend all rehearsals and performances to maintain a place within the program, exceptions will be made on a case by case basis such as illness or an immovable school commitment. Students must be respectful of others while attending rehearsals and performances, and are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to all rehearsals. Consistent tardiness and inappropriate behavior will not be accepted and failure to comply with these conditions may result in demotion or removal from the program.

rehearsal location

All rehearsals for the 2021 program will take place at Blackburn High School at 58/62 Springfield Rd, Blackburn North VIC 3130. Youth Band One will rehearse from 10am to 1pm and Youth Band Two will rehearse from 2pm to 5pm on the relevant Saturday's for each band throughout 2021.

performance location

All performances will take place at the Paris Cat Jazz Club at 6 Goldie Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000. Dates and times will vary throughout the year for both bands, with all performances occurring in the evening on the relevant dates.

recording

Those in Youth Band One will conclude the year with a two day recording session at Oaklands Studio at 14A Metropolitan Ave, Nunawading VIC 3131. The result will be an album that features a variety of student compositions and arrangements. Fee

The fee for the 2021 Youth Band Program is $150 per student per project and must be paid upfront before each project to maintain a place in the program. Members of Youth Band One will be required to pay a fee of $200 for their final project to account for recording expenses.

j a z z m e l b o u r n e . o r g P a g e 1 0

Audition Process

overview

Jazz Melbourne has chosen to hold blind auditions for the 2021 Youth Program to eliminate any factor of bias in the audition process as well as to better emulate the circumstances of a professional audition environment. Those auditioning for the program will be expected to sight read five excerpts along to the relevant backing tracks with one excerpt will feature improvisation. Students must also prepare one work that is no longer than three minutes and demonstrates their ability on their chosen instrument. It is recommended that students choose a piece that highlights some form of improvisation, however it is not required.

positions

Trumpet - Lead or Section Trombone - Lead, Section or Bass Saxophone - Alto, Tenor or Bari (if you can double on Flute or Clarinet one excerpt will be on this instrument) Rhythm - Double Bass/Bass , Guitar, , Drums, Vibraphone

Application Fee

An application fee of $10 is required to register for an audition.

Date & Time

All auditions will be held at Blackburn High School on Saturday March 13 & 20, 2021. All applicants will be allocated a 15 minute time slot for their audition and given a warmup room for 15 minutes directly beforehand. Music stands, amplifiers, percussion equipment, and a piano will be provided. A copy of the students chosen piece must be brought to the audition.

Application deadline

Audition applications close on Friday March 5, 2021.

j a z z m e l b o u r n e . o r g P a g e 1 1

Selection Criteria

To be eligible for the 2021 Youth Program you must meet the following criteria:

- Aged between 16 and 21 (exceptions made on a case by case basis) - Above average sight reading skills - The ability to double on Clarinet and Flute for Saxophone players is not necessary but is looked upon favourably - The ability to play up to a written D above the staff for lead trumpet players - Improvisation skills are not required, but are looked upon favourably - The ability to make all rehearsal and performance dates (exceptions made on a case by case basis) - A hunger for music and the desire to improve - An interest in big band and jazz music - Places are strictly limited to the instrumentation of two full big bands. If there is a large interest in the 2021 program, additional bands may be created to meet demand

Scholarships & Awards

Jazz Melbourne will be offering various scholarships and awards for those that successfully receive a place in the Youth Band Program. The current scholarships and awards on offer include:

the not-so-big band scholarship ensemble

The Not-So-Big Band is an 8 piece professional ensemble that performs a new concert of music once a month. The ensemble is comprised of four professionals and four students. All instruments have a chance of being selected for the band, and the top four auditions will be offered a position in the band. All students in the Not-So-Big Band will be paid per performance. In the past the professionals that have played with the band include Mat Jodrell, Dave Palmer, Gordon Lambie, Dick Oatts, Richard DeRosa, Robert Simone, Jack Earle and many more. The ensemble has a history of selling out performances and some of the themed concerts have included the music of Disney, Nintendo, Broadway, Christmas and many others.

j a z z m e l b o u r n e . o r g P a g e 1 2

The D'addario Mentor scholarship (saxophones only)

With the support of D'Addario Australia, one saxophone player in the Jazz Melbourne Youth Program will receive three 60 minute private lessons with D'Addario Australia endorsed artists. These include, and are not limited to, Angela Davis, Carl Mackey, Carlo Barbaro, and Julien Wilson.

best up-and-coming improviser award

Awarded to a student in the Jazz Melbourne Youth Program that demonstrates a strong ability to improvise and has shown improvement throughout 2021. The recipient will be given an award of $750 at the conclusion of the 2021 youth program. To be eligible for this award a student must have a strong work ethic, be respectful of others, and show proficiency in improvisation.

the toshi clinch jazz arranging award

Awarded to a student in the Jazz Melbourne Youth Program that demonstrates a strong ability to compose and arrange for big band. The recipient will be given an award of $750 at the conclusion of the 2021 youth program. To be eligible for this award a student must show proficiency in big band composition and must have contributed at least one piece to the 2021 youth program. This award is made available due to the generosity of Toshi Clinch.

represenation scholarship

Awarded to a student in the Jazz Melbourne Youth Program that comes from an underrepresented minority. The recipient will be given an award of $750 at the beginning of the 2021 youth program. To be eligible for this scholarship a student must identify as either female, LGBTQI+, Aboriginal, and/or Torres Strait Islander. This award is made available due to the generosity of VicHealth.

Next generation scholarship

Awarded to a student in the Jazz Melbourne Youth Program that demonstrates musical excellence on their chosen instrument and shows a commitment to pursuing a career in music. The recipient will be given an award of $750 at the beginning of the 2021 youth program. This award is made available due to the generosity of VicHealth.

j a z z m e l b o u r n e . o r g P a g e 1 3

Meet the Director

Renowned Australian composer Toshi Clinch is currently the Artistic and Managing Director of Jazz Melbourne, an arts organisation founded in 2018. Since starting the organisation he has hosted multiple local and international artists to Australia who have collectively worked with thousands of students in Victoria. Additionally, he has created hundreds of performance opportunities for professionals and students alike, and formed a youth jazz education program focused on continuing the big band tradition. Since graduating from the University of North Texas in 2016, Clinch’s arrangements have been performed around the globe by the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, Danilo Perez, James Morrison, Dick Oatts, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Tommy Dorsey Big Band, finalists from both X Factor and Australian Idol among others.

As a performer he has played alongside Dick Oatts, Richard DeRosa, Vincent Gardner, Pat Coil, Tanya Darby, Jose Aponte, Ed Soph and many more. 2020 saw the release of Clinch’s most recent album “The Hills are Alive”, alongside the creation of the Jazz Melbourne Orchestra, a world class big band that features some of Australia’s best musicians. In addition to writing and performing, Clinch maintains an active schedule as an educator, adjudicator and guest clinician around Australia. He has created multiple online courses and teaching resources through Jazz Melbourne’s professional development program, and regularly hosts seminars in harmony, arranging and music business. For more information about Clinch, please visit his website at www.toshiclinchmusic.com.

Contact

Email: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/jazzmelbourneptyltd Phone: +614 09 562 000 Instagram: www.instagram.com/jazz_melbourne/ Website: www.jazzmelbourne.org

j a z z m e l b o u r n e . o r g