VIDEO PRE-AUDITION INFO - NEW AUDITIONEES

In order to streamline the audition process this year, auditionees who were not previous members of the JHYO will be asked to submit a video sample of their playing by June 27th. Previous JHYO members who wish to re-audition do not have to submit a video. Videos are to be submitted via YOUTUBE Link. Please note: the 2025 JHYO Live Auditions will take place at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on August 2nd and 3rd for those who advance to the next round.

1. Submit your audition video to info@jazzhouston.org via YouTube link by June 27th, 2025. Please include your name and instrument in the video name. If you are unable to submit via YoutTube Link, please notify us at info@jazzhouston.org for an alternative method.
2. You will be contacted by JAZZ HOUSTON staff and directed to the portal for registration and an audition timeslot once reviews are completed. Please Note: Not all auditionees will be asked to come in for a live audition.
3. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time in order to check in and warm up.
4. Musicians who have been accepted into the JHYO will be notified by the Education Department. Those who have been accepted into the Alternate or Mentorship Program will be notified and provided with participant info.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

- All applicants must be in High School grades 9-12

- Experience playing Jazz is welcomed but NOT required.

- All Online Video Applicants must prepare the Audition materials listed below.

- For additional information or questions, please send an email to info@jazzhouston.org

INSTRUMENTS WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Trumpet
Trombone
Saxophones- Alto, Tenor, and Baritone. All Saxophones must double on Clarinet or be willing to learn.
Piano
Acoustic Bass
Guitar (Acoustic Strongly Encouraged)
Drum Set
Vocal (If you are a singer and auditioning on one of the instruments above)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR VIDEO AUDITION:

Participants will be asked to:

Play the melody, and then Improvise a two-chorus solo on two songs: 1. Blues in Bb (Concert) and 2. “There Will Never Be Another You” Eb (Concert). Click on the buttons below to download a .pdf Lead Sheet of the songs and for links to online backing tracks to each song in order to practice them at home. Drummers, play the melody of the song using the full drum kit, then improvise a two-chorus drum solo over the form. (Click below for an example of the great drummer Lewis Nash demonstrating how to play a melody for reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsrSALZ9Xfg)