The Columbus Youth Jazz (CYJ) Girls Project is a month-long jazz ensemble that celebrates female and gender expansive students in jazz. During each session, we will develop our skills as an ensemble while exploring jazz repertoire, style, improvisation and more, creating a fun and encouraging space for students to build confidence on their instrument.
Led by saxophonist and Columbus City Schools educator Mercedes Chomos and jazz vocalist and educator Rachel Azbell, the CYJ Girls Project focuses on developing confidence, becoming a leader in your school music program, important figures in jazz history and more. This program wraps up with a final performance at the Bexley Library in collaboration with the Capital University Jazz and World Music Festival.
The CYJ Girls Project is open to female-identifying and gender expansive instrumentalists and vocalists in grades 7-12 with a minimum of two years experience on their instrument. Please note, at this time the CYJ Girls Project is no longer able to accept guitarists or bassists.
Jazz Arts Group is dedicated to developing and furthering female and gender expansive musicians in jazz, improvisation, and music making all around. We believe it is important to foster a community that uplifts all voices and provides an opportunity for students to learn, take risks, and develop their skills.
Please note: Upon registration you will be asked to upload a brief video audition. This is not mandatory to participate in this program, but highly encouraged as it provides us with more information about you before we start rehearsals!
Rehearsal Schedule:
Dates: Tuesdays, February 27th – March 26th
Time: 6-8pm Location: Jazz Academy – 769 E. Long St (4th Floor) Columbus, OH 43203
Final Performance: Wednesday, April 3rd at 7pm at the Bexley Library in collaboration with the Capital University Jazz and World Music Festival.
Attendance policy: Students may miss one rehearsal during the month, but must be able to attend the final performance on April 3rd and must participate in our annual Jazz Girls Columbus event on Saturday, April 13th, 9:30-4pm to participate in the CYJ Girls Project.
Please reach out to Rachel Azbell, Education Program Manager at razbell@jazzartsgroup.org with questions or concerns.
