ENTERTAINING the Hopman Cup audience as they took their seats at Burswood Dome in January has been a highlight for fledgling jazz pop ensemble Modern Mystery, founded by Frederick Irwin Anglican School music students less than a year ago.
The band of friends were signed up for the high-profile gig after playing at a birthday party, coincidentally attended by the International Tennis Federation event’s manager who liked what he heard.
Catie Capotorto, one of the band’s founding members, said Modern Mystery comprised nine musicians who were either completing Year 11 at Freddie’s or were music students at the University of WA or the WA Academy of Performing Arts.
Most of the older members graduated from the Mandurah school in the past two years, except for lead singer Jason Arrow who was invited to join after meeting several members while performing Jesus Christ Superstar at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre last year.
Starting out with traditional jazz, the band has since adopted a funkier edge with original compositions plus popular songs by varied artists including Jamiroquai, Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Maroon Five.
While it is difficult getting nine people together for regular rehearsals, they manage it somehow and have even recorded a couple of demo CDs.
The band is in the running to be a support act at a major concert in the I Am With The Band competition on radio station Nova 93.7. To vote for this Mandurah band, visit www.novafm.com.au before March 12.