Jazz Houston Youth Orchestra
26/27 Video Pre-Audition Information
To streamline the audition process this year, auditionees who are not previous members of the JHYO will be asked to submit a video sample of their playing by July 1st. Previous JHYO members who wish to re-audition do not have to submit a video.
The 2026/27 JHYO Live Auditions will take place on Aug 1st and 2nd for those who advance to the next round.
Submit your audition form and video by July 1st, 2026. Please include your name and instrument in the video name.
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.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time in order to check in and warm up.
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 for the 2026/2027 school year.
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 here for an example of the great drummer Lewis Nash demonstrating how to play a melody for reference