Joining Jazz Orchestra

CYSO’s Jazz Orchestra is a high school-level jazz ensemble program led by musician and educator Pharez Whitted. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:30pm at CYSO’s offices in the Fine Arts Building (410 S. Michigan Ave in Chicago) throughout the school year. The orchestra will perform throughout the season at locations around the Chicago area, including venues such as Jazz Showcase, Harris Theater, and Studebaker Theater. 

We recommend that students have approximately two years of experience playing their instrument to join Jazz Orchestra.

At CYSO, students have the opportunity to work alongside a diverse student body of like-minded young musicians who are passionate, hard-working, and eager to learn. We challenge students to achieve beyond their expectations. Students learn to work individually as musicians and collectively as an ensemble.

In addition to the musicianship and technical proficiency that students develop at CYSO, the orchestra environment provides skills that translate to all areas of their life. CYSO musicians develop the ability to listen to others respectfully and intently, and learn how to work towards a goal.

Our students learn and grow alongside young musicians from across the Chicago region, developing friendships and learning to collaborate with students they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to interact with. Students leave CYSO with a strong sense of discipline, increased confidence, and a deep appreciation for music and the arts.

Jazz Orchestra rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 – 8:30 PM in CYSO room 833 at 410 S. Michigan Avenue, the Fine Arts Building.

Jazz Orchestra performs three concerts each season in fall, winter, and spring.

Membership in CYSO is both a privilege and a responsibility. As one of the nation’s finest youth orchestra programs, CYSO maintains its standing through the commitment and dedication of our musicians. Participation at rehearsals results in successful performances. Jazz Orchestra members are allowed up to two absences per concert cycle.

Requirements vary for each orchestra, enrichment program, and by instrument. See the CYSO membership requirements for details.

CYSO program tuition is available online on our tuition page. We make our programs accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background. Need-based financial assistance is available for all CYSO programs.

Jazz Orchestra video auditions are due by March 19 at 11:59 PM. Videos can be up to 12 minutes in length. Students may submit their audition video and application any time before the deadline. Please click here for instructions on how to submit your video audition.

This spring, Jazz Orchestra students will be asked to submit video auditions. Videos can be up to 12 minutes in length and are due on March 19 at 11:59 PM. Students may submit their audition video any time before the deadline. 

Below are the requirements for the 2023-2024 auditions. If you have any questions, please email Andrea Kennard at akennard@cyso.org.

Saxophones (alto, tenor, bari)

• Saxophones (alto, tenor, bari)
  • All excerpts for your instrument provided by CYSO 
    • Anthropology: 29-83
    • Bags Groove: J to the end
    • Evidence: R-W
    • Higher Ground: 49 – end
  • Four or more major scales at your tempo (excluding drummers)
  • Two octaves, if possible
  • 2-3 Jazz Standards
    • Solo improvisation is preferred, but not required. If you do not feel confident improvising, simply play the head.

• Brass (trumpets, trombones)
  • All excerpts for your instrument provided by CYSO. Please choose the part (1, 2, 3, etc) that fits comfortably within your range.
    • Counter Block: M – end
    • Bags Groove: J to the end
    • Evidence: R-W
    • Higher Ground: 49 – end
  • Four or more major scales at your tempo (excluding drummers)
  • Two octaves, if possible
  • 2-3 Jazz Standards
    • Solo improvisation is preferred, but not required. If you do not feel confident improvising, simply play the head.

• Rhythm (piano, guitar, bass, drums)
  • All excerpts for your instrument provided by CYSO 
    • Afro Blue: shout chorus to the end (piano should read guitar part for this)
    • Pure Spirit: beginning to midway through the piece
    • Bags Groove: J to the end
    • Evidence: R-W
    • Higher Ground: 49 – end
  • Four or more major scales at your tempo (excluding drummers)
  • Two octaves, if possible
  • 2-3 Jazz Standards
    • Solo improvisation is preferred, but not required. If you do not feel confident improvising, simply play the head.
  • Optional inclusions
    • Three or more harmonic minor scales
    • Two octaves, if possible
    • If you wish to be considered on an auxiliary instrument (tuba, etc) prepare a single excerpt on that instrument of your choice in addition to the materials above prepared on trumpet.
    • Any additional materials that you think will showcase your talent
    • Brief statement telling us about yourself (under 2 minutes)

Things the judges consider

• Rhythmic accuracy
• Rhythmic stability (steady tempo)
• Intonation (playing in-tune with yourself)
• Tone quality
• Dynamic contrast
• Instrument-specific technique
• Musicality, expression, and phrasing
• Appropriateness of repertoire for your technical level
• Ability to recover if you make a mistake
• Careful preparation of all audition music

Things the judges do not consider

• The audio quality of the device you used to record
• The video quality of the device used to record
• Where you recorded your video and what it looked like (bedroom, living room, bathroom, etc. However, acoustics can be an issue if, for example, you record in your bathroom and the sound is unclear due to the echo. Wherever you record, make sure you can be clearly heard.)
• Race or ethnicity
• Gender or gender presentation
• If you have a private teacher or who your teacher is
• Other auditions you’ve taken or groups you’ve played with
• How fancy or expensive your instrument is

Click here for instructions on how to upload your video. Please note: your video must be ready before your application can be submitted.

Absolutely no editing or sound enhancements of any kind are permitted. Your Audition video should be one continuous take. Audition videos that are suspected to have been edited or otherwise enhanced will be immediately disqualified.

If you do not have access to your instrument or have other challenges preventing you from submitting a video, please email Karen Mari at kmari@cyso.org. 

Memorization is not required. If you would like to memorize your solos, you are welcome to do so.

Wear nice dress clothes that are comfortable for you to perform in. Remember that this is the first impression you will make on those who will evaluate you. It is also a good idea to practice in the clothes you are planning to wear at least once before your audition.

2023-2024 season audition results will be announced by mid-June. All auditioning students will receive correspondence, regardless of the outcome.