Join us for an inspiring panel discussion with musicians and alumni of the Western Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) at The Moon Cafe, and hear from emerging artists active in the jazz scene.
Our panellists will share their stories and insights on gender diversity, developing personal projects, and life on and off the stage. Don't miss this chance to connect with some of WA’s brightest young musicians.
Come down to The Moon Cafe in Northbridge on Monday April 8, 5pm – 6pm and be inspired.
Panellists: Lachlan Edinger, Holly Forster, Fred Johnston-Horstman and Bob Tweedie
Lachlan Edinger is a young jazz pianist currently studying with WAYJO alumni Jackson Van Ballegooyen at Wesley College, hoping to study jazz piano at WAAPA. He started playing keyboards at six years old, and continued picking up instruments such as trumpet, pipe organ and guitar. Lachlan hopes to one day become a professional jazz pianist as he loves all things music, whether that be listening, playing, analysing or anything else to do with the arts!
Holly Forster is a young emerging alto saxophonist, flautist and vocalist currently based in Perth, Western Australia. She has been playing saxophone for nine years and throughout this time she has learnt from the esteemed instructors Erin Royer, Harry Mitchell, Jamie Oehlers, Angela Davis and Marcus Strickland (USA). Holly has recently returned from a six month study trip to the United States in 2023 where she completed the New York University jazz summer school, the Women in Jazz Organisation’s mentorship program and a semester of exchange at the Frost School of Music in Miami. She is now in her final year of studying a Bachelor of Music at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and has been accepted into their honours program.
Fred Johnston-Horstman (he/him) is a Trombonist and Composer based in Boorloo. His passion has always been in large ensembles, from big band to orchestra and everything in between. His compositions focus on music that celebrates diversity and joy in collaboration and artistry, focusing on accessible parts in both complexity and instrumentation. His experiences as an openly genderqueer musician have led to the launch of Ensemble Neoteric in 2024: an ensemble for gender diverse artists, which aims to develop a community that is supported in creativity and exploration.
Bob Tweedie is a 23 year old jazz pianist who is highly active in the Perth scene. After graduating from WAAPA with first class honours in 2022, he has jumped right into new creative projects to launch his career as an emerging artist. He is in his 7th year in the Western Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra, and currently holds the chair in the WAYJO’s Wednesday night orchestra. Through his education, he has been given opportunities of exchange at summer courses in the USA, both in New York (NYU) and Lake Tahoe, NV (the Brubeck Institute). He was WAYJO’s Associate Composer in Residence in 2022, and was commissioned to write and record two original pieces for big band. He frequently performs at the Ellington Jazz Club as either a sideman or MD, and collaborates with many of his peers. He is currently a part of ongoing projects such as the original contemporary band Storefront, and the original jazz band Bad Neighbour.
The event is wheelchair accessible, welcoming to companion card holders and support persons, and support animal friendly. More Access Info