The mission of the Jazz Arts Group is to advance and celebrate the art of jazz through performance and education. Our youth jazz program fulfills this mission by providing the opportunity for students in grades 7 – 12 to participate in one of three outstanding learning and performing ensembles. Each ensemble rehearses weekly and offers a variety of performances and other educational activities each season.

JAG’s Youth Jazz program consists of the following:

• Columbus Youth Jazz Workshop (CYJW)
• Columbus Youth Jazz Studio Ensemble (CYJSE)
• Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO)

Should you successfully audition for a position on one of JAG’s three ensembles, the following opportunities and expectations are available to participants and their families:

• The Jazz Arts Group supports music education in the schools and cooperates with the music education community – all Youth Jazz members are expected to be actively participating in their school music program(s).
• Youth Jazz participants must fully commit to the ensemble’s rehearsal and performance schedule.
• Youth Jazz participants receive free admission to all Columbus Jazz Orchestra Swingin’ with the CJO performances; family members receive a buy one/get one free voucher for Swingin’ with the CJO performances.
• Youth Jazz participants will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of performance and educational activities and to work with prominent local, regional and national musicians.
• Youth Jazz participants are community partners of the Jazz Academy and receive discounted registration on all Jazz Academy classes, workshops and events.

Columbus Youth Jazz 2012-13 audition information:

Auditions for the 2012-13 Youth Jazz season will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 15 & 16, 2012 at the Jazz Academy. The audition schedule is as follows:

Saturday, September 15 (for students, grades 7-10):

• 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Saxophones (feel free to bring multiple saxes and woodwind doubles)
• 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. – Brass instruments (trumpet & trombone)
• 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. – Rhythm section (piano, bass, drum set, guitar)

Sunday, September 16 (for students, grades 11 & 12):

• 2:00 -3:30 p.m. – Saxophones (feel free to bring multiple saxes and woodwind doubles)
• 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. – Brass instruments (trumpet & trombone)
• 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. – Rhythm section (piano, bass, drum set, guitar)

You may show up at either session if you have a conflict on your scheduled audition day – please advise us in advance at jrs@jazzartsgroup.org.

Scholarship information will be provided upon request once audition and placement in one of the three ensembles has occurred.

Download the application packet here along with the audition charts:

• 2012-13 Youth Jazz Audition Packet
• “Blues in the Closet” (F) – Alto & Bari Sax
• “Blues in the Closet” (F) – Trumpet & Tenor Sax
• “Blues in the Closet” (F) – Trombone
• “Blues in the Closet” (F) – Bass
• “Blues in the Closet” (F) – Piano & Guitar

JAG’s Youth Jazz program receives support from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Ohio Arts Council and Plante & Moran.