Auditions are announced for the 2025-2026 Columbus Youth Jazz season! Open to new and returning students grades 7 through 12, the Columbus Youth Jazz (CYJ) program is the premiere small group and large ensemble opportunity for young musicians to learn the art of jazz.
The CYJ program is made up of four big bands and several small combos, perfect for any level of jazz knowledge. Each group is run by one of our amazing Jazz Academy teaching artists who not only are highly skilled educators in Central Ohio, but also avid performers who know the ins and outs of being professional musicians!
Our Columbus youth Jazz program is completely tuition FREE and each student receives tickets to watch our professional ensemble, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, perform at the Southern Theatre. We look forward to seeing you at the auditions, don’t forget to register!
2025 – 2026 AUDITION INFORMATION
CYJ Big Bands & Combos Audition Days
New and returning students may register for either audition date. These auditions are intended to fill spots in both the 2025 – 2026 CYJ Big Bands and CYJ Combos.
Saturday, May 3rd, 9:30am – 1:30pm
- 9:30am – 10:45am: Rhythm Section (Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums)
- 10:45am – 11:45am: Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, etc.)
- 11:45am – 1:30pm: Saxophones (and any other reed instruments)
Saturday, May 10th, 9:30am – 1:30pm
- 9:30am – 10:45am: Rhythm Section (Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums)
- 10:45am – 11:45am: Brass (Trumpet, Trombone, etc.)
- 11:45am – 1:30pm: Saxophones (and any other reed instruments)
Audition Requirements for the 2025- 26 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. 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 – for beginning/intermediate instrumentalists
(based on the 12-bar blues in the key of concert Bb)
Level 2 – for intermediate/advanced instrumentalists
(based on the chord progression of the jazz standard “All of Me”)
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 band/choir director can be helpful to you as you prepare for this audition.
CYJ Vocal Lab Audition Day
All vocalists (new and returning) must audition to be considered for the CYJ Vocal Lab. Auditions will be held in the fall on Sunday, September 7th, with more information to be released in the coming weeks. Registrants will audition in the order they arrive.
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.
