Grooves is a non-auditioned jazz program intended for students in grades 5 – 12 who have at least 1 year of experience on their instrument. All jazz experience levels are welcome. Grooves features a big-band performance component, divided by experience level, so everyone will feel appropriately challenged. Every student will learn the theory and improvisation techniques behind each piece of music they perform. Though improvisation will be large component of the program, no previous experience with improvising is necessary.
General Information for Fall 2026
Directors: David Kerr/Graham Lambert
Combo Instructor: Ben King
Manager: Juliette Chant
Tuition: $375, financial aid is available
Rehearsals: Mondays, 6–8pm at Elley-Long Music Center
Fall 2026 Grooves rehearsals are on the following Mondays (Note: Grooves will meet Sunday, Sept. 20th instead of Monday, Sept. 21st in observance of Yom Kippur.)
September 14, 20 (SUNDAY), 28
October 5, 12, 19, 26
November 2, 9, 16 (Dress rehearsal and concert)
Skill expectations: Students should be able to play in keys with up to 2 sharps or 2 flats, and be comfortable reading rhythms that include sixteenth, eighth, quarter, half, and whole notes and their equivalent rests, including dotted rhythms. No audition is required for participation, simply register using the button below.
Registration
Please register no later than September 11, 2026. Contact Mark Alpízar at mark@vyo.org with any questions.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid: The VYOA is committed to ensuring that no child is discouraged from participating due to financial circumstances. Need-based financial aid is available to all qualifying families with a combined household income up to $120,000 who wish to apply. You can find the 2026-27 online financial aid application here. Additional questions can be emailed to mark@vyo.org
