Auditions are September 12
Audition registration closes September 1st – register today!
VYOA Jazz is an auditioned ensemble featuring our region’s finest young 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. During the 10-week session, musicians work with some of our area’s finest jazz educators in combos and a big band.
General Information for Fall 2026
Director: Kyle Saulnier
Manager: Juliette Chant
Tuition: $1,000, financial aid is available
Rehearsals: Saturdays, 10:00am – 1:00pm, Elley-Long Music Center
September 19, 26
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
November 7, 14, 21 (Concert at 11:00am)
Audition materials will be available Monday, August 17.
Skills Expectations:
Acceptance into VYOA Jazz is by audition. Audition materials for September 2026 will be available on Monday, August 17. You are likely ready for an audition if you:
–Have a strong control of your instrument from top-to-bottom
–Are able to confidently hold your 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
–Have experience playing and improvising in a jazz style
If you are not yet ready for an audition, Grooves is the VYOA’s non-auditioned Jazz program for musicians in grades 5-12 .
Financial Aid
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
