Youth Jazz Ensemble – High School

2026-27 High School Youth Jazz Ensemble Starts Sept. 14, 2026!

The Gulf Coast Youth 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 6:00 pm-8:00 pm 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.

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

The audition music is “Now’s the Time” and PDFs and play-along tracks are linked above. 2025 auditions must be submitted by video. Email audition videos to KGDevitt@gmail.com. Audition deadline is August 24, 2025.

–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)

2026 Auditions will be submitted by video only using the materials provided for prospective students above. Please submit your video audition to KGDevitt@gmail.com. Audition deadline is August 24.

Location: Music & Arts Community Center (MACC), 13411 Shire Ln, Fort Myers.
Time: Ensemble meets Monday evenings, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm; September 15 to May 11. (Breaks for normal school holidays).
Tuition: $350.00. Limited scholarships are available, application will be sent if student is accepted into the ensemble.

Registration is open

Ready to Join? Click the Register button below to get started! You’ll be asked to complete a registration form with important information about your student. Please fill out one form per child. After submitting the form, our team will contact you to arrange payment or provide scholarship application details if requested.

Remember: Enrollment is not complete until payment is received or a payment plan is confirmed.