Alana MacPherson.
Camera IconAlana MacPherson. Credit: Supplied/Marie Nirme d451722

Alana MacPherson Performs in The Premiss Collective

Tanya MacNaughtonEastern Reporter

ALANA MacPherson was one of the many young girls responsible for a spike in saxophone sales after watching The Simpsons.

“I started playing the saxophone when I was 11 years old after watching the episode of The Simpsons when Lisa plays with Bleeding Gums Murphy,” the 24-year-old said.

“I think many girls around that ’90s era definitely started playing the saxophone because of Lisa.”

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MacPherson is now studying her honours in composition at WAAPA with Dr Mace Francis, the artistic director of WA Youth Jazz Orchestra, which she has played with since 2010.

“It’s the best ensemble and I have the most fun playing in a big band,” she said.

“Playing with WAYJO all these years has really shaped the direction I want to take with my music.

“Now I’m doing composition and wanting to play and write music for larger groups, and pursue big band playing beyond my honours.”

MacPherson’s next performance with WAYJO will be The Premiss Collective on Friday, April 8, at the State Theatre Centre Courtyard, involving collaboration with hip-hop artists Coin Banks, Silvertongue, Marksman Lloyd, Hyclass and Alex Ford.

“The arrangements were written by Brendan Grey and he did a really great job,” she said.

“The music is very powerful with lots of high notes and trumpets going crazy.

“Hip-hop and jazz artists coming together is not exactly something that happens very often, especially in Perth, and on this scale.

“An 18-piece big band with MC, a DJ and singers – it’s a lot of people getting together and hopefully it opens up opportunities for musicians in other genres to play with a big band and collaborate with us in the future.”

THE ESSENTIAL What: The Premiss Collective Where: State Theatre Centre Courtyard When: April 8 Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au