Under the direction of Michael Thomas, the New York Youth Symphony Jazz is a 17-member swing ensemble dedicated to studying, rehearsing, and performing classic big band jazz music. Modeled on the bands of the 1930’s and 1940’s, the Jazz program preserves this heritage and, keeping with jazz traditions, incorporates it into the current and emerging styles that define the genre for the present generation.
NYYS Jazz will rehearse on Sundays from 6-8PM at the NYYS Office at 110 West 40th Street, New York, NY.
The band performs in New York City’s finest jazz venues, including Birdland, The Times Center, Dizzy’s Club and the Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Throughout the season, rehearsals are augmented by masterclass clinics with some of today’s most eminent jazz professionals. Previous guest artists have included Arturo O’Farrill, Wycliffe Gordon, Stefon Harris, Ted Nash, Maria Schneider, Jane Monheit, Joe Lovano, Steve Turre, Victor Goines, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Heath, Joe Locke, Eric Reed, and Lew Soloff.
Applicants should review the guidelines on this page to make sure that they can fulfill the commitment to the program before applying.
Jazz auditions will be held on September 24th, 25th & October 1st at the NYYS Office at 110 West 40th Street, New York, NY. All auditions will be held in-person.
Applicants must be between the ages of 12 and 22. In order to participate in the 2023/2024 season, the applicant's date of birth must be no earlier than May 26, 2001 and no later than November 19, 2011. Please do not apply if your birth date falls outside of these dates as you will not be eligible for the program and we are not able to refund your application fee.
Auditions will be 15 minutes long, and will be heard by the Director. During your audition you will be asked to play the excerpts for your instrument(s), as well as improvise with a pianist (provided by NYYS). You will also be asked to sight-read. You will not be required to perform any solo repertoire.
Download Excerpts
The registration fee for the Jazz program is $95.
The NYYS recognizes that the cost of application and registration fees may be prohibitive for some students, and that access to technology may be a barrier to participation. Financial aid, application fee waivers, work-study, and technology funds are available to help offset these expenses. Financial need is the major consideration when awarding assistance. We ask that students seek funding through their personal networks in addition to completing the financial aid application as funds are limited. The application for financial assistance is within the main application.
Below you will find the excerpts to download for your audition. Please prepare all excerpts in the package.
CLICK AN INSTRUMENT TO DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET
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