National Youth Jazz Combo
Jazz is a feeling, more than anything else. It isn't music, it's language
In the great tradition of small group jazz, the National Youth Jazz Combo provides four to seven outstanding young jazz musicians with the opportunity to rehearse, perform and study with some of the finest professional jazz artists in Canada.
Directed by renowned saxophonist and composer Kirk MacDonald, the group will rehearse in Ottawa during the day from Friday, May 11 to Sunday, May 13, 2012.
The combo will perform during the week of Musicfest including feature performances on the National Arts Centre's Main Stage on Monday, May 14th and throughout the week on the 4th Stage as part of Musicfest Canada's Jazz After Dark Series performances, including Ellison Tour Jazz Dinner and the Ottawa Tulip Festival.
Students may apply and be accepted into both the Yamaha All-Star Band and the National Youth Jazz Combo as the rehearsal and performance schedules of the two groups do not conflict.
Please note that separate audition requirements are in place for both the National Youth Jazz Combo and the Yamaha All-Star Band. You must submit two separate auditions if you wish to apply to both opportunities. The deadline for applications is April 1, 2012.
Participation in the band is free, and members receive tickets to all MusicFest concerts and clinics including access to the MusicFest Canada Scholarship Program.
How to apply - april 1, 2012 deadline for applications
Applications must be submitted online with audio audition files in an MP3 or WAV file format. Each file can be no larger than 10 MB. You can create an MP3 file using Apple iTunes or Windows Media Player.
Please read the audition materials carefully before you prepare your recording. When recording, we recommend you place the microphone a few feet away from your instrument and play naturally. Applicants must play with accompaniment, which may be live or pre-recorded (eg. Aebersold play along recordings). The exception is drum auditions which should be recorded solo.
