Gulf Coast Jazz Youth Ensemble

The Gulf Coast Jazz Jazz Ensemble is a full jazz band for students in grades 9-12 with at least 2 full years of experience on their instrument. 

The Gulf Coast Youth Jazz Ensemble is a community-based jazz ensemble for students throughout the Southwest Florida region. This ensemble will provide performance and learning opportunities outside of the general classroom for those who seek to expand their musical journeys through jazz. The GCYJE will meet on Mondays from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the Music & Arts Community Center. This ensemble is open to High School students. The High school ensemble will meet from August to May. You must audition and be accepted into this group in order to participate. Please register for an audition below.

Requirements to register/participate: Must be able to read music. Must know major scales. 

Audition Materials

Students should prepare the following selected jazz standard: (REQUIRED)
Download Audition Materials:
Attachment 1 – Attachment 2 – Attachment 3

–Now’s the Time (Blues)

• Play the melody as written  
• You must play the 3 chorus of the written sample solo (REQUIRED)
• If you would like to demonstrate improvisation please do so over the 3rd solo chorus (optional)

Rhythm Section Addendum (piano, guitar, bass, vibraphone):

• Play the melody as written  
• You must play the 3 chorus of the written sample solo (REQUIRED)
• If you would like to demonstrate improvisation please do so over the 3rd solo chorus (optional)

Drum Requirements

• Drummers will be asked to demonstrate Swing, Funk, Latin, and a Ballad (Optional with brushes). (REQUIRED-but won’t affect chances of being accepted)

2024 Auditions are TBA. Check back for updates.

Location: Music & Arts Community Center (MACC), 13411 Shire Ln, Fort Myers.
Time: Ensemble meets Monday evenings, 6:30pm to 8:30pm; August 28 to May 13. (Breaks for normal school holidays).
Tuition: $350.00. Limited scholarships are available, application will be sent if student is accepted into the ensemble.
Registration Fee: $25

Registration is now closed, will reopen this fall 239.277.1700 x 108