Led by The Robert J. 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. This year, NYYS Jazz released their debut album called Lineage, featuring music that truly mirrors the history of jazz with old charts, old charts reimagined and new music.
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 as part of the Small Jazz Ensemble, creating even more opportunities for creative collaboration, musical exploration and performance.
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:
The Jazz Gallery on Monday, December 14, 2026, at 7pm
Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Monday, March 1, 2026, with 7 & 9pm sets
Apollo Theater – Victoria Stages (Theater 1) on Monday, May 10, 2027, at 7:00pm
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.
Applicants should review the guidelines on this page to ensure they can fulfill the commitment to the program before applying.
Join the NYYS Jazz Audition Workshop with NYYS Manager, Bell Thompson, to help prepare for auditions this Fall.
Prerequisites: Must be ages 12-17 (rising 8th to rising 11th grade) and at least one year of experience in a school jazz program
Focus points at the workshop will be:
1. What to expect in an NYYS Jazz audition and how to prepare.
2. Study one of the required tunes.
3. Improvising with a rhythm section.
4. Mock audition for peers.
Workshop Dates
Rhythm Section
Sunday, June 14, 2026 2-3:30pm
Winds & Brass
Thursday, June 25, 2026 5-6:30pm
Jazz auditions will be held at the NYYS Office at 110 West 40th Street, New York, NY. Upon completing the online application through Acceptd, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to schedule your audition. All auditions will be held in-person.
NYYS Jazz Returning Student Audition Dates:
Sunday, June 14, 2026 10am-12pm
NYYS Jazz Regular Audition Dates:
Saturday, September 5, 2026 10am-1:30pm
Sunday, September 6, 2026 10am-1:30pm
Eligibility:
In order to participate in NYYS Jazz's 2026/2027 season, applicants must be between the ages of 12 and 22. Applicant's date of birth must be between May 25, 2004 and November 24, 2014. 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.
Students must bring their own copy of the audition materials. NYYS will not provide a copy or print it for you at the audition.
All students will be required to demonstrate their ability as improvisers using the included excerpt (accompaniment will be provided). Rhythm section players will also be asked to demonstrate their comping ability using the same excerpt.
Amps for guitar and bass will be provided, as well as a grand piano and music stands. Guitarists and bassists must bring their own patch cords if they wish to use the amps provided.
Drummers must bring their own sticks and cymbals, as well as a hi-hat clutch.
Drummers will be asked to demonstrate their ability in a variety of grooves/styles.
Saxophonists, brass players, guitarists, pianists, and bassists will be expected to know the following scales in all keys: Major, Melodic Minor, and Diminished (whole/half)
Saxophonists who wish to demonstrate their ability on additional woodwind instruments (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, and soprano saxophone) can play any or all of the provided woodwind excerpts, but are not required to do so.
Trumpet players who would like to be considered for playing lead must play the lead trumpet excerpt in addition to the two required trumpet excerpts.
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 NYYS Jazz program is $350.
Please note, there is a $135 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
NYYS helped me understand what it will require for me to become a professional musician and to master my instrument.
Lucas Giordano
Bass
I would highly recommend NYYS Jazz to my family members, friends or fellow musicians.
Emma Kelner
Trumpet
Photo Credit: Evelyn Freja
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