Big Band Workshop 2026
Join QYO for two days of intensive learning, fun and performance where you will work in a small 19 piece ensemble and collaborate with QYO members, alumni and professional clinicians. Get exclusive training from top Brisbane professional jazz musicians and perform alongside QYO Big Band and international guest artist Naoya Ogura.
Key Details
Date: 28 and 29 November
Time: 9am to 5pm
Venue: The Old Museum, 480 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
Fee: $390
Eligibility: Years 8-12
Workshop Schedule
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Welcome session
Chart read through
Morning tea
Full band rehearsal
Sectionals
Lunch
Full band rehearsal
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Full band rehearsal
Morning Tea
Rehearsal with QYO Big Band
Soundcheck
Social Lunch with QYO Big Band
Joint Concert with QYO Big Band and Naoya Ogura
Who you’ll work with…
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GUEST ARTIST
Award-winning trumpeter and composer Naoya Ogura is the winner of the prestigious 2026 Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize and the Manny Albam Commission. He is also a recipient of the 2026 Queens Arts Fund (QAF) New Work Grant.
A native of Kobe, Japan, Naoya’s relationship with music began in early childhood, when he first started composing melodies on the piano and capturing them on a tape recorder. He later developed his passion for big band jazz as a trumpet player, deeply immersing himself in the timeless traditions of Count Basie and Glenn Miller. After building a thriving professional career in Japan—performing, arranging, and leading his own groups at major national festivals—Naoya made the bold decision to relocate to New York City in January 2020 to expand his artistic vision.
He earned his degree from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, refining his distinct voice as a composer and arranger under the mentorship of jazz luminaries such as Michael Philip Mossman, Antonio Hart, and David Berkman. Despite the sudden challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Naoya’s resilience and profound talent only deepened his bonds with New York’s elite jazz community. As a standout arranger and conductor, he directed performances at the Jimmy Heath Scholarship Fund Concert, sharing the stage with legends like Jon Faddis and Lew Tabackin. His relentless drive culminated in the formation of his own world-class big band, establishing him as one of the most compelling new voices in modern jazz composition.
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CONDUCTOR
Matthew Teakle is a Brisbane-based guitarist, cellist and educator. He studied jazz guitar at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and graduated with First Class Honours and a University Medal. During this time, Matthew became highly regarded as a versatile and enthusiastic performer, regularly performing in styles ranging from hip hop to modern classical music at a high level, notably featuring as a finalist with Concept Ensemble in the Queensland International Chamber Music Competition.
Since graduating, Matthew has had opportunities to perform extensively around Australia and New Zealand as a guitarist and earlier this year, he had the pleasure of performing at the Sydney Opera House with Tsoof Baras’ new ballet “Chameleon. Since 2024, Matthew has had an ongoing educational collaboration with renowned New York guitarist Peter Mazza. Presently, he holds the principal guitar chair in the Queensland Jazz Orchestra and is a prominent bandleader and sideman on the Brisbane Jazz scene. He has performed as a featured soloist with the Queensland Wind Orchestra and on ABC Radio and 4ZZZ
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BIG BAND CONDUCTOR
Bohdan Davison is a proud alumnus of the QYO Big Band, from being lead alto saxophone in its second year of existence through to the band’s inaugural performance at QPAC at the 2003 QYO Finale concert.
It is with immense pride and joy that Bohdan is back to direct and oversee the band. With outstanding musicians and support staff, Bohdan cites his time with QYO as a big influence on his career. Bohdan has performed and toured with artists such as James Morrison, Tommy Tycho, Anthony Warlow, Pete Murray, Melinda Schneider, Bobby Shew and Ben Folds.
Bohdan currently oversees his own Big Band called Enthusiastic Musicians Orchestra (EMO), and is Head of Bands at Anglican Church Grammar School where he facilitates and inspires the careers of young musicians.
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It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing.
QYO Big Band is where great musicians meet big sounds, infectious rhythms with plenty of room to let loose. From classic swing to contemporary jazz, they explore the sounds and styles of big band music, build ensemble skills and discover the art of improvisation. Led by jazz educator Bohdan Davison, they play with confidence, groove and make the music their own.
Grab tickets to see award-winning trumpeter and composer NAOYA OGURA.
Naoya Ogura is the winner of the prestigious 2026 Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize and the Manny Albam Commission. He is also a recipient of the 2026 Queens Arts Fund (QAF) New Work Grant.
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Thursday 26 November 2026, 6:30pm doors at the Brisbane Jazz Club - Naoya Ogura (Japan + New York) with the QYO Big Band - One Night Only
For this special Brisbane Jazz Club exclusive show, Naoya will be backed by the swinging Queensland Youth Orchestra [QYO] Big Band.
They will be premiering 6 original charts from his latest album which he will be selling at the gig.
Support original music fresh from New York City – feel the spirit of Jazz and support Live music at Brisbane’s home of Jazz – the Brisbane Jazz Club. -
Friday 27 November 2026, 7:30pm doors at JMI Live - Naoya Ogura Quartet
A native of Kobe, Japan, Naoya’s relationship with music began in early childhood, when he first started composing melodies on the piano and capturing them on a tape recorder. He later developed his passion for big band jazz as a trumpet player, deeply immersing himself in the timeless traditions of Count Basie and Glenn Miller. After building a thriving professional career in Japan—performing, arranging, and leading his own groups at major national festivals—Naoya made the bold decision to relocate to New York City in January 2020 to expand his artistic vision.
He earned his degree from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, refining his distinct voice as a composer and arranger under the mentorship of jazz luminaries such as Michael Philip Mossman, Antonio Hart, and David Berkman. Despite the sudden challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Naoya’s resilience and profound talent only deepened his bonds with New York’s elite jazz community. As a standout arranger and conductor, he directed performances at the Jimmy Heath Scholarship Fund Concert, sharing the stage with legends like Jon Faddis and Lew Tabackin. His relentless drive culminated in the formation of his own world-class big band, establishing him as one of the most compelling new voices in modern jazz composition.
JMI is excited to be hosting Naoya with his band of Jazz Music Institute students, Baxter Birrell on Piano, Isaac Worland on Bass, and Lochlan Robinson on Drums.