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 will perform in New York City’s finest jazz venues, including Shapeshifter Lab on Monday, December 9, 2024, Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Monday, March 10, 2025 and The Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Friday, May 16, 2025.
Some highlights for the upcoming season:
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 ensure they can fulfill the commitment to the program before applying.
Jazz auditions will be held on June 23rd and June 30th, with additional dates in September (to be announced at a later date), at the NYYS Office at 110 West 40th Street, New York, NY. Upon completing the online application, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to schedule your audition. All auditions will be held in-person.
In order to participate in the NYYS Jazz's 2024/2025 season, applicants must be between the ages of 12 and 22. Applicant's date of birth must be between May 25, 2002 and November 24, 2012. 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 are 10 minutes long and will be heard by the Jazz Director. You will be asked to play the jazz excerpts per instrument. All rhythm section players (drums, guitar, piano, & bass) will be required to demonstrate their improvisational ability. All students may be asked to sight-read a short excerpt, and they will be asked to play major, melodic minor, and diminished (whole/half) scales in any key. Drummers will be asked to demonstrate grooves in different styles/tempos in place of scales.
Download Excerpts
The registration fee for the Jazz program for the 2024/25 season will be $105.
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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