Auditions
Fall auditions have concluded, but for certain instruments spaces are still available. Interested students are encouraged to register for an audition and a representative from the NPYJO will be in touch about scheduling an audition time. The fee for the audition is $15 for those who are not currently a member of other Artis—Naples youth ensemble groups.
The NPYJO accepts students between the ages of 12 and 17. For additional information, please email YouthJazzOrchestra@artisnaples.org.
Audition Materials
Blues Improvisation
Students will be asked to improvise over a medium tempo B-flat concert blues:
- Trombone, piano, guitar, bass, vibraphone: B-Flat blues
- Trumpet and tenor saxophone: C blues
- Alto and baritone saxophones: G blues
Solo Piece
Students should prepare a solo piece of choice. Examples include:
- Play the melody and/or improvise on a standard tune
- Play the melody and/or improvise on a jazz original
- Play the melody on a ballad
- Play a solo transcription
- Play a jazz etude
Rhythm Section Addendum (piano, guitar, bass, drums):
- Piano and guitar students who are able will be asked to comp and create their own voicings from chord changes (not required for acceptance)
- Bass students who are able will be asked to walk and create a bass line from chord changes (not required for acceptance)
- Drums are asked to demonstrate swing and Latin styles (bossa nova and Afro-Cuban)
Rehearsals
The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra normally rehearses on Wednesday from 4-6pm.
Tuition
Annual tuition for the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra is $300. The one-time music fee is $35. Some scholarships are available.
The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra (NPYJO) celebrates its eighth year in 2022-23. Nearly 20 students from Lee and Collier counties participate in the NPYJO each season, where they learn jazz techniques and styles in a big band setting.
The NPYJO is an educational ensemble that has grown out of the success of the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra and the All That Jazz series. The NPYJO studies the repertoire and arrangements of jazz greats such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.
Lew Del Gatto
Interim Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra Director
Concerts
The Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra performs each season on the Artis—Naples Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus.
2022-23 Season
Upcoming Concerts:
Fall Concert
featuring Vince DiMartino
December 11, 2022 • 7pm
Winter Concert
February 19, 2023 • 7pm
Spring Concert
May 14, 2023 • 7pm