YOUTH 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 a big band.
About Youth Ensembles
Who Is Eligible?
We accept students who are able to play all 12 major scales and can read music. There are no age requirements.
For less experienced students, please see our workshop program.
What’s Included?
Students are placed in ensembles of six to nine students and rehearse weekly.
Curriculum: Ensemble students are expected to practice their assignments at home and be ready to perform in class. Assignments range from learning new music, practicing their parts, transcribing solos, composing tunes, etc.
Class Schedule: Classes take place on Saturdays, Sundays, Monday Evenings, Tuesday Evenings. You can find the class calendar and rehearsal locations here.
Performance Opportunities: Ensembles will have the opportunity to perform in at least one Wednesday evening concert feature at The Young Lions Series at Panama 66, as well as at our All-Ensembles Showcases. Furthermore, select conservatory ensembles will have the chance to showcase their talents at Jazz @ the Jacobs, Rady Shell, Street Fairs, KSDS Jazz Live Series, private/corporate events, and festivals throughout the state.
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
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Billing invoices are sent via email after ensemble placements. We accept check and credit cards. 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
Students NEW to YLJC
In-Person Auditions
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For students who were NOT in the program last year (2024-2025, YLJC requires an in-person audition.
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YLJC workshop students must also audition in-person after completing the workshop program.
Both new YLJC students and returning workshop students are required to participate in an in-person audition. Once new students have registered, they will receive an email containing a link to sign up for an audition slot.
In-person auditions are crucial for adjudicators to accurately assess each student's skill level and determine the most appropriate ensemble placement.
In-person auditions for Fall 2025-26 take place on August 9, 2025
Returning Students
Video Auditions
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Only for students that were in a YLJC ensemble last year—2024-25. If you are returning to YLJC but were NOT in an ensemble last year, an in-person audition is required.
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YLJC workshop students must audition in-person after completeing the workshop program.
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Returning students who would prefer to have an in-person audition are encouraged to sign up.
Returning YLJC students are required to submit an audition videos. Fall 2025-26 audition videos due August 3, 2025
Audition submissions must be compiled into one video. Videos must be uploaded to YouTube and submitted using YLJC’s Audition Form. Cell phone videos are acceptable.
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.
"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!"
- Gilbert Castellanos
Placement announcements are sent via email.
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.