Workshop Ensembles
Widely known as one of the most prestigious jazz education programs on the West Coast, YLJC has small ensembles for every skill level as well as big band.
Workshop Ensembles
What Are Workshop Ensembles?
Workshop ensemble classes are for students who are not quite ready for the demands of being in a YLJC ensemble but want to gain the experience necessary to join an ensemble in the future. After these classes, students should be comfortable and ready for the challenges of being in the YLJC Youth Ensemble Program.
Who Is Eligible?
One year playing your instrument is highly recommended.
For students up to 18 years of age with less than a year of experience on their instrument, we recommend starting with private instruction to establish a solid foundation. This individualized learning path ensures that each student receives the attention and guidance needed for their musical development. YLJC’s tuition is $1250 for the academic year, for the same amount a beginning student can access 15 to 17 private lessons, providing an excellent start. After completing a year of private instruction, we find that students are more comfortable and prepared to fully embrace and benefit from the comprehensive ensemble instruction and opportunities available at YLJC, leveraging their skills for maximum advantage.
What’s Included?
Students are placed in ensembles of six to nine students and rehearse weekly.*
*Instrumentation can be varied (examples: we might have 4 pianists and 1 drummer, or, 2 sax, 2 pianists and a bass player, etc.)
Curriculum: Music theory, ear training, reading music—sight reading, improvisation, how to play in a group setting, jazz history.
Class Schedule: Classes take place on Saturdays or Sundays. You can find the class calendar and rehearsal locations here.
Performance Opportunities: Ensembles will have an opportunity to play at our All-Ensembles Showcases (Dec & June). Workshop ensembles are not required to perform at Panama 66 (unless the group is ready and willing). This takes the pressure off students as they grow musically.
Tuition
Tuition is paid by the acendemic year. There is also a reccurring monthly payment plan available.
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$1,250 for the acedemic year
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$25 non-refundable registration fee
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There are no class material fees
Billing invoices are sent via email after ensemble placements. We accept credit cards and checks. Families who have multiple students enrolled in the program will receive a 50% siblings discount on the tuition fee for the second student.
Scholarships
We believe no child should miss out on the opportunity and enrichment that music education provides.
Full, half and gap scholarships are available to students who show merit and whose families demonstrate financial need.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: AUG. 24, 2025
The Scholarship Application Window For The 2025-26 Season Will Open In May.
Registration
2025-2026 – Registration Now Open!
Now accepting registration for the 2025-26 academic year.
*All new and returning students must register.
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New students will need to sign up for in-person auditions.
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Returning students are required to submit a video audition.
Important Dates:
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July 28: Registration Closes
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August 3: Audition Videos Due For RETURNING Students
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August 9: In-Person Auditions for NEW Students
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September 13, 14, 15, 16, 18: Classes Begin
Due to the high level of interest in the program, placement is not guaranteed for any student—new or returning—as space is limited. Placement is based on audition performance and instrument proficiency.
$25 non-refundable registration fee
Audition Process
Workshop Ensemble Students
Audition Required
Potential workshop students are required to audition (see audition requirements below). The auditions are designed to be low-pressure experiences, intended to help us tailor our program to best support each student's musical journey.
Benefits of auditioning:
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Students will learn how the audition process works and that it isn't something they need to fear—auditions are just a way for us to gauge where a student is in their musical journey.
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Often, students don't realize what they can achieve with a bit of hard work. We've had multiple students who after auditioning, end up being placed in higher level ensembles.
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After auditions, students mostly come away with a better understanding of their growth opportunities and a sense of accomplishment for having gone through the process.
When and Where
In-person auditions for Fall 2025-26 take place on August 9, 2025
After new students register, an email is sent with a link to sign up for auditions. In-person auditions for new students are required so adjudicators can get a better sense of the student’s skill level and place them appropriately.
In-person auditions location: 2650 Truxtun Road, Suite 107, San Diego, CA 92106
Placement Process
Following in-person or video auditions, Artistic Director Gilbert Castellanos thoughtfully places students into ensembles alongside peers of similar skill level, with careful attention to each individual's musical strengths. Due to the high level of interest in the program, placement is not guaranteed for any student—new or returning—as space is limited.
Placement is based solely on musicianship and is not influenced by class day or time. Students with known scheduling conflicts during the fall semester are encouraged to audition for spring; however, spring placement is based on instrumentation needs and only offered if spots are available.
Placement announcements are sent via email.
"Learning music is a journey that is unique to each individual. Creating and playing jazz is not a competition, it's a collaboration with other musicians. Wherever a musician is in their journey, accepting their position and working to improve the group as a whole as well as individually, is the best pathway to growth. This can also be applied in everyday life!"
Artistic Director — Gilbert Castellanos
Audition Requirements
2025-26
Due to the high level of interest in the program, placement is not guaranteed for any student—new or returning—as space is limited. Placement is based on audition performance and instrument proficiency.
Carefully Read and Follow the Requirements
Click on your instrument to download the requirements.
Auditions will not be considered if requirements are not followed.