WAJP Directors

Managing Director

Born in Lancashire, England and raised in Perth, Western Australia, Adrian Kelly began playing trumpet at the age of six. He has gone on to build an international career as a multi-faceted musician; performing, recording, and writing pop, classical, and jazz music. Adrian is currently engaged in PhD research at Edith Cowan University (Perth, Western Australia). He has served on the board of the Australian Trumpet Guild since 2019.

Adrian has performed with many western artists including Hugh Jackman, Ray Charles, Shirley Bassey, The Four Tops, Patti Austin, Tim Minchin, Olivia Newton-John, Bonobo, Ben Folds, Dave Weckl, Bobby Shew, Frank Foster, and The Manhattan Transfer. He was a regular member of Motown legend Bobby Taylor's band from 2013 to 2017. In 2010/11 he toured internationally with Chinese pop superstar, Jacky Cheung, performing to over three-million people at 146 performances. Since then he has performed and/or recorded with many of the top artists in the region, including YangKun, Eason Chan, Joey Yung, George Lam, and Hins Cheung. Adrian has appeared as a guest soloist on QingHai TV’s “Flowers” music program, and performed for live broadcasts on Hong Kong’s TVB, and RTHK. In 2012, he performed live in front of Chinese head of state, Hu JinTao.

His jazz group The Adrian Kelly Quartet has headlined at festivals and jazz clubs in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia, and he has released four jazz albums under his name. Adrian's jazz compositions featured on the collaborative album with trumpet artists from New York, Chicago, and Boston, entitled Intercontinental Drift, and he won the 2007 WA Music Industry Song of the Year Award for that album's track, 'Curious Yellow'. 2012 saw the release of Adrian’s latest CD, Chinese Whispers 細語, featuring music from, and inspired by, China. From December 2012 to late 2013, this album was selected to be featured on Cathay Pacific flights as part of their onboard music offerings. 2020 saw the release of two new albums; Cry, Wolf! an exploration of electronics in jazz, featuring MAX – an improvising a.i. computer programme; and Visions an acoustic improvising quartet featuring music written to accompany artwork by Adrian’s father, Robert John Kelly. All Adrian’s releases are available via Apple Music and other digital platforms, and Cry, Wolf! and Visions are available free on www.adriankellyquartet.com

In his capacity as a classical trumpeter, Adrian held the position of principle trumpet with The City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong from 2011 - 2015, has performed as principle trumpet with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, and continues to perform regularly with the Perth Symphony Orchestra, the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, and the WA Philharmonic. 

Adrian has delivered classes in jazz music and trumpet at Edith Cowan University, The University of Western Australia (Australia), and the Hong Kong Institute of Education (China). He has presented masterclasses to students at Lasalle College (Singapore), the Hong Kong Institute of Education, ShangHai Conservatory of Music, XingHai University, and Harbin Teacher Training College (China), and at independent venues in Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang. In 2019, Adrian released a set of Eight Theatrical Etudes – available from qPress Music Publishing.

Adrian has performed on more than thirty musical theatre productions since 2005, including the 2016 international Asian tour of Les Miserables, the 2010 Australian tour of West Side Story, and most of the leading productions in Western Australia for the past decade. He currently maintains an active freelance career, performing around Australia and Asia.

Director and Education Officer

Melissa is a saxophonist and passionate music educator in Perth, WA. She began learning the saxophone at the age of 12 when awarded an instrumental music scholarship at Perth Modern SHS, then went on to study at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts. On completion of her degree, Melissa moved to Melbourne, Victoria, working as a freelance musician in various ensembles and genres. During this time, she also recorded several projects for Melbourne musicians. 

In a short time, Melissa became the Musical Director for Victorian Youth Jazz Orchestra and through this association, performed with & acted as Musical Director for Rhonda Burchmore. Whilst living in Melbourne, she established the Melissa Skinner Trio, playing at venues around Melbourne.

In 2002 Melissa returned to Perth. Currently, she is the Director of Music at Hale School and continues to work freelance gigs, teach and conduct. Melissa is highly invested in promoting music education, particularly in jazz education. She founded and developed the Jazz Programme at Churchlands SHS (a GATE music school) in 2016 and is highly involved in the Curriculum Advisory Council for SCSA. In addition to this, Melissa is involved in several committees aimed at developing and promoting music education throughout Western Australia.

Melissa’s performances include WASO (West Australian Symphony Orchestra) in performances such as Ben Folds, Rhapsody in Blue, Glenn Campbell, Australia’s Music Theatre Divas, Human Nature, Michael Bolton, Michael-Antony Turnage- Hammered Out, Michael-Antony Turnage- Kai, Gershwin- American in Paris, James Morrison, Pixar in Concert, David Bowie – Nothing has changed. Performances with MPO (Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra), including Bernstein- Prelude Fugues & Riffs, Gershwin- American in Paris, Ravel- Bolero, Popular Show tunes, Pixar In Concert, Sounds of Latin America w/ Leonard Jácome, Gershwin’s magic key. 

Melissa has also performed or recorded with the following groups or artists: James Morrison Big Band, “Swing on this” Big Band, PSO (Perth Symphony Orchestra), FSO (Five Saxophone Orchestra), Straight Ahead Big Band, Artemis Jazz Orchestra, Hip Mo’ Toast (Libby Hammer), Ali Bodycoat, Penny King; both as saxophonist & vocalist, Andy Scott, International Women’s Day Concert, PJO (Perth Jazz Orchestra), WAYJO (West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra), Jazz West, MFO (Mace Francis Orchestra), Hip Mo’ Toast Big Band, Daryl McKenzie Big Band, Downbeat Big Band, Norm Harris Big Band, Fiona Lawe Davies, Performances with DJ’s for events/ nightclubs, and performances with her own jazz duo/ trio/ quartet.

In addition to playing with WAJP, Melissa is the Education Officer and is excited about the possibilities created through many future projects.

Artistic Director

Gavin Kerr is a dynamic and influential figure in Western Australia's music scene. As the Musical Director of the Western Australian Jazz Project, Gavin's multifaceted career as a composer, arranger, producer, and performing musician reflects a diverse range of experience, spanning various musical genres and collaborations.

Gavin's musical journey began at the age of eight, when he first picked up a cornet as a member of the Salvation Army. For the next ten years, he immersed himself in the world of brass instruments, honing his skills and developing a deep appreciation for music's power to connect and inspire. During this time, Gavin performed in various ensembles, developing his musical performance and teamwork skills.

At 18, Gavin's interest in jazz led him to teach himself drums and begin performing with young jazz musicians. He explored the vibrant Perth jazz scene, connecting with other musicians and honing his improvisational skills. He and his new jazz partners even took to the streets, busking in the city to share their music and support their growing musical endeavours.

The thrill of performing jazz live, combined with the camaraderie of playing with like-minded musicians, solidified Gavin's passion and set him on a new course. He made the life-changing decision to leave his job of 6 years and pursue formal music studies at the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).

In 1998, Gavin's dedication and talent culminated in earning a Bachelor of Music Performance (Jazz) degree from WAAPA. This transformative period provided a foundation in jazz theory, composition, arranging, and performance, through study with renowned educators and collaboration with talented peers in a rich musical environment. That same year, he was awarded the Bob Wylie Scholarship, a prestigious honour given to the most outstanding graduating jazz student. This recognition validated his decision to pursue a career in music and further fuelled his desire to excel.

Gavin has established himself as an active and accomplished composer and arranger, with a diverse portfolio of works that span a wide range of musical genres and ensembles. He has been commissioned to write music for symphony orchestras, choirs, and jazz ensembles, demonstrating his versatility and ability to create compelling music for various settings. Additionally, Gavin is a contributing composer with Matt Klohs Publishing. Gavin also collaborated with multi-Grammy Award-winning producer, Paul Mabury, to create many albums under their label, Scope Music.

Gavin’s compositions and arrangements have been featured in numerous recordings and performances for local, national, and international audiences, and have also been used in television and film. He has collaborated with acclaimed artists such as James Morrison, The Jive Express, and Leah Haywood, further solidifying his reputation as a sought-after composer and arranger.

Gavin often creates innovative and eclectic compositions that reflect his broad musical tastes and his willingness to experiment. He blends traditional jazz with contemporary sounds to create something unique and captivating.

Beyond his work in composition and arranging, Gavin has also directed several multi-cam video productions for various arts projects, showcasing his skills in visual storytelling and his ability to bring musical performances to life on screen.

Gavin is a dedicated and accomplished performer who has shared the stage with a diverse array of acclaimed artists, both on the Australian and international stage. His versatility as a performer is evident in his ability to adapt to different musical styles and settings.In addition to his collaborations with renowned musicians, Gavin also enjoys making music with his daughter, Sofie Kerr. Together, they perform and record as the recording outfit Tenspeed, where Gavin not only showcases his instrumental talents but also co-writes and produces all of the band's music. His production work with Tenspeed demonstrates his keen ear for detail, his ability to craft compelling and polished recordings.

Gavin has dedicated over 25 years to fostering musical excellence in Western Australia through his work as an educator. He has held various positions at Hale School, including Coordinator of Jazz (2009-present), where he has shaped the program into one of the countries largest and most innovative. Under Gavin’s leadership, the Hale Jazz program has flourished, providing students with exceptional musical opportunities and experiences. He has directed numerous ensembles, organised successful overseas tours to the USA, and mentored countless young musicians, instilling in them a lifelong passion for music.

Gavin's commitment to music education extends beyond Hale School. He also shares his expertise as a Sessional Lecturer at Notre Dame University's School of Education (2019-present), where he writes and delivers the Teaching Methods, Music curriculum. In addition, he is a respected presenter and adjudicator at events such as the National ABODA Festival and various WA eisteddfods, and conferences for the Australian Society for Music Education (ASME), Australian Jazz Education Association (AJEA).

Gavin's passion for and commitment to jazz in Western Australia shines through in his leadership of the Western Australian Jazz Project. As Musical Director, he brings his extensive experience, artistic vision, and engaging personality to the organisation, guiding its artistic direction, fostering collaborations, and inspiring audiences.

Gavin’s dedication to all things jazz, combined with his remarkable talent and unwavering leadership, make him an invaluable asset to the Western Australian Jazz Project, ensuring its continued success and growth in the years to come.