VYOA Jazz is for our state’s finest high school jazz musicians. Led by Kyle Saulnier, musicians explore playing and improvising in different jazz styles while enjoying the camaraderie of meeting and performing with musicians from across the region. Musicians will perform in combos and big band settings and work with some of our area’s finest jazz educators.
General Information
Director: Kyle Saulnier
Ensemble Manager: Juliette Chant
Tuition: $800, financial aid is available
Rehearsals: Saturdays, 10:00 am-1:00 pm at Elley-Long Music Center
VYOA Jazz Fall 2025 rehearsals are on the following Saturdays:
September 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15 (no rehearsal March 1)
Final Concert: November 15, 2025 at 11:00AM
Skills Expectations:
–Have a strong control of their instrument, top-to-bottom
–Are able to confidently hold their own with written material in an ensemble
–Are able to sight-read reasonably well
–Have a working knowledge of and/or aptitude for basic (key-based, diatonic) music theory
–Familiarity with playing and improvising in a jazz style is welcomed though not required – a willingness to dive in and learn absolutely is
Registration
Please register no later than September 5, 2025. Contact Mark Alpízar at mark@vyo.org with any questions.
Financial Aid
Click here to apply for financial aid. Please complete your application by September 5, 2025.
The VYOA is committed to ensuring that no child is turned away 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. Your most recent tax documents and a $50 deposit will need to accompany your application. Additional questions can be emailed to mark@vyo.org.
Meet the Faculty
Kyle Saulnier, Director
Matt Avery, Trombone
Caleb Bronz, Drumset & Percussion
Randal Pierce, Piano
Jake Whitesell, Saxophone
Connor Young, Trumpet
