Socially Distant Concert
Hailing from the Perth, West Australia, saxophonist Troy Roberts has received numerous accolades including 3 DownBeat Jazz Soloist Awards, 2 Grammy Nominations, and was the only Australian semi-finalist in the 2008 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. Since attending The West Australian Academy Of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and graduating with a Bachelor of Music at the young age of 19, Troy has performed around Europe and the US extensively with artists such as Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Joey DeFrancesco, James Morrison, Aretha Franklin, and Kurt Elling just to name a few. After touring for a few years & recording with a wide array of artists, Troy decided to pursue his Master's Degree at The University of Miami Frost School of Music. Currently, Troy is based in New York City where he maintains a busy performance and recording schedule with some of the greatest jazz artists of today.
Troy recently came back to Perth in mid March as the Covid-19 pandemic hit New York. Mount Lawley Senior High School was fortunate enough to be able to host a socially distant performance with Troy and Mount Lawley SHS music staff on the 8th May. Based on the stairs of the Music department in the heart of the school, Mount Lawley SHS students were fortunate to enjoy the incredible performance of two famous Jazz standards, 'Yes or No' and 'I will Remember April'.
This performance by Troy Roberts, accompanied by Simon Jeans, Dijon Summers, Chris Scaglioni and Benn Hodgkin (Mount Lawley SHS staff) is possibly the only opportunity our students will be able to enjoy seeing an international artist for a long time.
After this amazing performance, Troy ran workshops with the Mount Lawley SHS Jazz ATAR students working on improvisation and performance techniques. The students found this experience valuable and inspiring in helping them prepare for their upcoming exams.
Michelle De Rozario, Teacher In Charge Music.
