Jazz Orchestras

Join the 2027 Summer School Jazz Orchestras stream to delve into the world of big band repertoire and improvisation. Work with some of Australia’s leading jazz soloists and directors in one of three ensembles catering for all levels of ability. Join the fast lane, sharing and enriching your love of jazz with peers from across Victoria.

INSTRUMENTS: Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet, Tenor trombone, Bass trombone, Electric guitar, Piano, Double Bass or Electric Bass, Drumkit, Mallet percussion.

Suitable for students who have some prior ensemble experience. However, jazz ensemble experience is not required.

To be considered for this ensemble in the 2027 MYO Summer School, please apply for the JAZZ ORCHESTRAS stream in your application.

Mat Jodrell
Australian trumpeter Mat Jodrell is internationally recognized as one of the leading voices in contemporary jazz. At just 16 years of age, he made his Carnegie Hall debut as a …
Australian trumpeter Mat Jodrell is internationally recognized as one of the leading voices in contemporary jazz. At just 16 years of age, he made his Carnegie Hall debut as a featured soloist, marking the beginning of a distinguished international career.
After establishing his career in Perth, Jodrell spent more than eight years based in New York City, where he performed with renowned ensembles including the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Miguel Zenón’s Identities Ensemble, Ryan Truesdell’s Grammy-nominated Gil Evans Project, the Jon Batiste Band, and the Birdland Big Band. He has also collaborated with artists such as Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Branford Marsalis, Benny Golson, Maria Schneider, Terence Blanchard, and Paul Anka.
A graduate of The Juilliard School, where he earned both a Master of Music and Artist Diploma, Jodrell served on the Juilliard faculty before returning to Australia. He now combines an active international performing career with teaching, including appointments at the James Morrison Academy and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
As a bandleader, composer, and recording artist, Jodrell has released acclaimed albums including Echoes of Harlem, Insurgent, and Grateful. Celebrated for his commanding sound, lyrical improvisation, and stylistic versatility, he is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading jazz musicians.

Stella Anning
Based in Naarm/Melbourne, Stella Anning is a guitarist, composer, songwriter and performer whose practice spans jazz, contemporary songwriting, soul, folk and improvisation. With a foundation in jazz performance and composition, …
Based in Naarm/Melbourne, Stella Anning is a guitarist, composer, songwriter and performer whose practice spans jazz, contemporary songwriting, soul, folk and improvisation. With a foundation in jazz performance and composition, Stella has developed a diverse career as a bandleader, collaborator, session musician and educator, working across a wide range of musical styles and ensembles.
Stella has released three albums as a bandleader, including her 2025 singer-songwriter album Yellow Brick Veneer, alongside two instrumental jazz albums, STAT and Paper Planes. Her work is grounded in improvisation and composition, with a strong focus on finding creative and individual approaches to the guitar.
An active member of the Naarm music community, Stella collaborates with artists including Xani Kolac (AXIS), John Flanagan, Tanya George, Sal Kimber, ISEULA and Laura Ingram. She is also resident guitarist and composer with the Jazzlab Orchestra.
Recent highlights include participating in the Banff Jazz and Sonic Arts Residency with Shabaka Hutchings and Ganavya, mentorship with Aaron Choulai through the Australian Art Orchestra, and performances at Bluesfest, the National Folk Festival and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
Alongside her performance career, Stella is an experienced guitar teacher and mentor, passionate about supporting young musicians to develop their own voice, confidence and creative approach to music.

Joshua Dulfer
Josh Dulfer is a local trombonist, educator and conductor. He is currently the Head of Brass at Northcote High School and conducts many of their ensembles including jazz ensembles, brass …
Josh Dulfer is a local trombonist, educator and conductor.
He is currently the Head of Brass at Northcote High School and conducts many of their ensembles including jazz ensembles, brass bands and concert bands. Josh has taken Northcote High School students to the Generations in Jazz Festival in South Australia many times and has led their ensembles through multiple collaborations with both professional and other school ensembles.
Josh works regularly with Melbourne Youth Orchestras Jazz Orchestra (MYJO) and Big Band (MYBB) in the capacity as coordinator, tutor, conductor and a performer when required. He has assisted staging performances for these groups at Fed Square as part of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Queen Victoria Market, Jazzlab, The MCG and the Melbourne Recital Centre. In 2023 he helped facilitate a masterclass with members of the Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra when they toured to Melbourne and MYO jazz students.
Josh studied Music at the Melbourne Conservatory of Music and has since performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Chamber Opera, Jazzlab Orchestra, GIJ Staff Big Band and many others. Josh has worked with some of the best musicians and educators in the country including Kieran Conrau, Nick Mulder, Sonja Horbelt, Don Immel, Dave Palmer, Jordan Murray, Mat Jodrell, Peter Foley, Sue Arney, Elliot Lamb, Michelle Nicolle and many others.
Josh is a passionate educator who is dedicated to building a community of collaborative and empathetic young musicians.