Led by The Robert L. Levine Jazz Program Director Michael Thomas, the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Ensemble is an electrifying 17-member big band that embodies the spirit of America’s music—jazz. Inspired by the 20th century’s legendary big bands, NYYS jazz honors the remarkable legacy of the great jazz masters of the past while infusing it with modern and emerging styles, making the genre relevant for today’s audiences.
As a member of NYYS jazz, you’ll work with some of the finest musicians in the region, collaborate with established and emerging performers and soloists, and perform in iconic venues throughout the NYC region, including the Appel room, Dizzy’s Club, National Sawdust and more.
Select NYYS jazz members will be able to audition to perform in small ensembles, creating even more opportunities for creative collaboration and musical exploration.
NYYS jazz students also work closely with NYYS composers, premiere new works as part of the John Deak First Music program and can apply for support from the NYYS access fund and the Vargas-Vetter/Ukena Fellowship.
NYYS Jazz Ensemble 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:
Carnegie Hall – Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage on Sunday, November 23, 2025 accompanying the NYYS Symphony Orchestra
Shapeshifter Lab on Monday, December 15, 2025
Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center featuring Stefon Harris, vibraphone
on Monday, March 2, 2026
Location TBD on Monday, May 11, 2026 featuring Miguel Zenon, saxophone
Throughout the season, rehearsals are augmented by masterclass clinics with some of today’s most eminent jazz professionals. Previous guest artists have included Alan Ferber, Linda May Han Oh, Arturo O’Farrill, Wycliffe Gordon, Ted Nash, Maria Schneider, Jane Monheit, Joe Lovano, Steve Turre, Victor Goines, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Heath, Joe Locke, Eric Reed, and Lew Soloff.
You will be asked to play the jazz excerpts per instrument (view and download excerpts below).
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.
Auditions are 10 minutes long and will be heard by the Jazz Director.
Select NYYS jazz members will be able to audition to perform in small ensembles, creating even more opportunities for creative collaboration and musical exploration.
The registration fee for the Jazz Ensemble program is $250.
Please note, there is a $110 non-refundable application fee through Acceptd.
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. All applicants can request a fee waiver by submitting the form below. If you have any questions regarding fee waivers, please reach out to support@getacceptd.com.
Below you will find the excerpts to download for your audition. Please prepare all excerpts in the package.
VERY IMPORTANT: PLEASE BRING THE EXCERPTS WITH YOU TO THE AUDITION, WE WILL NOT HAVE COPIES THERE.
CLICK AN INSTRUMENT TO DOWNLOAD AUDITION PACKET
I would highly recommend NYYS Jazz to my family members, friends or fellow musicians.
Emma Kelner
Trumpet
Photo Credit: Izzy Madover
Photo Credit: Izzy Madover
Donate today and help support our students continue their journey and become a part of our community of musicians and change the landscape of what the musical world look like today.
DonateExperience all the hard work, practice and rehearsals that our students take on and show up to see them perform at one of our many concerts throughout the season.
Get TicketsTake the plunge and give yourself an opportunity to become a part of our amazing community of musicians, songwriters, composers and conductors.
Apply Today
