Jazz Auditions
Auditions will take place on August 21st and August 22nd at
Peace Presbyterian Church (1777 West Chatham St., Cary)
Jazz Auditions
About Our Jazz Ensembles
The award-winning Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble (TYJE), under the direction of Dr. Gregg Gelb, is the premier ensemble of the Triangle Youth Jazz program. TYJE is designed for advanced high school musicians from anywhere in NC who are committed to developing the artistic, technical, and creative skills necessary to perform a wide range of jazz literature at a high level.
Rehearsal Information:
TYJE musicians rehearse on Sundays in a two-part time frame 12:15 PM–3:30 PM at Price Music Center at NC State University..
- Part 1 - 12:15 PM–1:15 PM: Focus on rhythm section and improvising. Sometimes there may be a woodwind or brass sectional.
- Part 2 - 1:30 PM–3:30 PM: Full ensemble rehearsal.
- All band members participate in both Part 1 and Part 2
- On certain occasions we may have full band for the entire rehearsal
Student Expectations:
Students in TYJE are expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment and responsibility both musically and professionally.
Additional responsibilities and time commitments outside of Sunday rehearsals include:
- Participation in two required horn sectionals per month led by student section leaders, staff mentors and/or professional jazz musicians. Attendance at all rehearsals, concerts and scheduled performances (see Student Handbook for complete attendance policies).
- Prompt responses to emails from TYM staff.
- Consistent individual practice and preparation outside of rehearsals.
The Triangle Youth Jazz Orchestra (TYJO), under the direction of Lisa Burn, is an advanced ensemble of the Triangle Youth Jazz program. TYJO is designed for primarily high school jazz students from anywhere in NC who are committed to developing the artistic, technical, and creative skills necessary to perform a wide range of jazz literature at a high level.
Rehearsal Information:
TYJO musicians rehearse on Sundays in a two-part time frame 12:15 PM–3:30 PM at Price Music Center at NC State University..
- Part 1 - 12:15 PM–1:15 PM: Focus on rhythm section and improvising. Sometimes there may be a woodwind or brass sectional.
- Part 2 - 1:30 PM–3:30 PM: Full ensemble rehearsal.
- All band members participate in both Part 1 and Part 2
- On certain occasions we may have full band for the entire rehearsal
Student Expectations:
Students in TYJO are expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment and responsibility both musically and professionally.
Additional responsibilities and time commitments outside of Sunday rehearsals include:
- Participation in two required horn sectionals per month led by student section leaders and staff and/or professional jazz musicians. Attendance at all rehearsals, concerts and scheduled performances (see Student Handbook for complete attendance policies).
- Prompt responses to emails from TYM staff.
- Consistent individual practice and preparation outside of rehearsals.
The Triangle Youth Jazz Band (TYJB) is an intermediate-level ensemble primarily comprised of middle school and high school students. TYJB is designed for musicians who want to continue developing their improvisation skills while performing in a full jazz ensemble setting. Students perform outstanding intermediate-level big band jazz in a professional environment, helping prepare them to successfully audition for our more advanced ensembles.
Rehearsal Information
TYJB rehearses on Sundays at Price Music Center during the following schedule:
- Part 1 - 12:15 PM–1:15 PM: Focus on rhythm section and improvising. Sometimes there may be a woodwind or brass sectional.
- Part 2 - 1:30 PM–3:30 PM: Full ensemble rehearsal.
- All band members participate in both Part 1 and Part 2
- On certain occasions we may have full band for the entire rehearsal
Important Dates for 2026-2027*
Please click to review the important dates for your ensemble.
Important:
Students may select either a Basic Audition or an Advanced Audition. A Basic Audition qualifies a musician for TYJB only. The Advanced Audition qualifies a musician for TYJB, TYJO, or TYJE. Students will be placed in the highest level band that their scores will allow. Forfeiture of assigned placement will result in revocation of future participation in any Triangle Youth Music ensemble.
Please read through the "Jazz Auditions Overview" to get an idea of what to expect during your audition.
PLEASE NOTE: Advanced rhythm section musicians
may be required to do a second "live" audition. The top scoring musicians for each instrument may be invited to the first jazz rehearsal, where final seating will be assigned.
Also, we will divide audition dates based on your musician's instrument. Rhythm section (drums, string bass, piano, guitar), and vocals will audition on Friday, August 21st ONLY. Brass and saxophone players will audition on Saturday, August 22nd. Please keep these details in mind as you are making summer plans!
