Auditions are announced for the 2026-2027 Columbus Youth Jazz season! Open to new and returning students grades 7 through 12, the Columbus Youth Jazz (CYJ) program is the premiere opportunity for young musicians in the Columbus area to learn the art of jazz.
The CYJ program is open to students in grades 7–12. We have four big bands and several combos, so we have ensembles perfect for any level of jazz knowledge. Each ensemble is directed by one of our exceptional Jazz Academy teaching artists, who are recognized among the top jazz performers and educators in the Columbus area.
As of 2022, the Columbus Youth Jazz program is completely tuition free. Columbus Youth Jazz participants will have access to exciting performance and educational opportunities beyond weekly rehearsals (including complimentary tickets to attend performances by our professional ensemble, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra). We look forward to seeing you at auditions!
2026 – 2027 AUDITION INFORMATION
CYJ Big Bands & Combos Audition Days
NEW for 2026–2027: We will have separate audition dates for the CYJ Big Bands and the CYJ Combos. To be considered for the CYJ Big Bands, please register for an audition date in May. To be considered for the CYJ Combos, please register for an audition date in September. Students are welcome to audition for both programs by signing up for two audition dates.
CYJ Big Bands Audition Dates:
Wednesday, May 6th, 3:30pm – 7:00pm
- 3:30pm – 4:45pm: Rhythm Section (Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums)
- 4:45pm – 5:45pm: Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, etc.)
- 5:45pm – 7:00pm: Saxophones (and any other reed instruments)
Saturday, May 9th, 9:30am – 1:00pm
- 9:30am – 10:45am: Rhythm Section (Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums)
- 10:45am – 12:00pm: Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, etc.)
- 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Saxophones (and any other reed instruments)
CYJ Combos Audition Dates:
Wednesday, September 9, 3:30pm – 7:00pm
- 3:30pm – 4:45pm: Rhythm Section (Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums)
- 4:45pm – 5:45pm: Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, etc.)
- 5:45pm – 7:00pm: Saxophones (and any other reed instruments)
Sunday, September 13, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
*Times subject to change based on demand.
Audition Requirements for the 2026 – 27 Season
1.) Students will be asked to play the ascending and descending concert B-Flat major scale. (Brass: two octaves if possible).
2.) Choose ONE selection from the following etudes based upon your experience level. Students will be asked to perform the song two times through (take the repeat): First time: play the written melody, Second time: perform an improvised solo. When in doubt about improvising on the song, simply restate the melody, utilizing new rhythms and variations!
Level 1
Level 2
3.) You will be asked to perform a sight reading excerpt, to be chosen by the panel based on age/skill level.
Audition Advice:
We look forward to hearing you play and want you to have a successful audition and experience. As you play through your audition, we will be listening/watching for the following:
- Your sound and tone/touch
- Your ability to read music
- Ability to demonstrate a jazz or swing feel
- Knowledge of basic scales
- Basic knowledge of counting and playing rhythms (16th notes, triplets. etc.)
Your private music instructor and/or school music teachers can be helpful resources to you as you prepare for this audition.
CYJ Vocal Lab
New for 2026-2027, Vocal Jazz students will have the opportunity to audition for our CYJ Combos. Auditions will take plan Wednesday, September 9th and Sunday, September 13th.
More information will be available mid-July.
CYJ Vocal Lab Audition Requirements
Students must perform one tune from the Great American Songbook/jazz standard repertoire or similar genre. If you are unsure if a tune is acceptable, please email the Youth Jazz team at youthjazz@jazzartsgroup.org for approval. Please note: the song you audition with will be the solo tune you will sing in Vocal Lab if selected to do so.
Scat singing/improvisation is not mandatory but highly encouraged. Please bring a lead sheet or sheet music in your key OR a backing track that you can sing along with.
