VYOA Jazz is an auditioned ensemble intended for our region’s finest young jazz musicians grades 5-12. 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 perform in combos and big band settings and work with some of our area’s finest jazz musicians and 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 Spring 2026 rehearsals are on the following Saturdays:
January 31
February 7, 14, 21 (No rehearsal February 28)
March 7, 14, 28 (No rehearsal March 21)
April 4
Final Concert: April 4, 2026 at 11:00AM
Skills Expectations:
Acceptance into VYOA Jazz is by audition. Please see the audition requirements below. 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, VYOAGrooves is another Jazz program offered by VYOA for musicians grades 5-12 without an audition.
Instrument/Participant Expectations:
VYOA Jazz is based on the American big band tradition. It is open to the number of participants and instruments that are listed below.
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
1 Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Tenor Trombones
1 Bass Trombone
2 Drum Set Players (open to playing auxiliary percussion)
2 Electric Bass and/or Upright Bass Players
2 Electric Guitar Players
2 Piano/Keyboard Players
Audition Registration
VYOA Jazz auditions for the Spring 2026 session will take place in the Elley-Long Music Center on Saturday, December 7, 2025 from 10am-5pm. Both current VYOA Jazz members and new participants can register using the button below. You will receive an audition appointment after you complete your registration.
Auditions for the VYOA Jazz Spring 2026 Session at the Elley-Long Music Center will include the following 3 components:
Scales: Please prepare 2 major scales of your choice as many octaves as you are comfortable using the Vermont All State Major Scale format at a minimum of Quarter Note = 88 beats per minute.
Solo Performance for melodic instruments (with provided backing track accompaniment): Prepare “Have You Met Miss Jones” (from Volume 25 – All Time Standards – Richard Rodgers arr. Jamey Abersold) AND “Greater Love” (from Jazz Conception – Jim Snidero/Advance Music measures 31-61). Links to these materials will be forwarded to you upon completion of your registration.
Solo Performance for Drum Set Players (with provided live accompaniment): A Warm Breeze (Sammy Nestico, Kendor Music) AND Black Orpheus (Luiz Bonfa arr. Eric Richards, Alfred Music). Links to these materials will be forwarded to you upon completion of your registration.
Sight Reading: A short passage selected by the adjudicators will be provided in the audition.
Meet the Faculty
Kyle Saulnier, Director
Kyle Casazza, Trombone
Caleb Bronz, Drumset & Percussion
Randal Pierce, Piano
Jake Whitesell, Saxophone
Connor Young, Trumpet
