-
Auditions have been completed for the 2019-20 performance year.
-
See our home page for current information about 2020-21 performance year and auditions for it (which are currently on hold).
-
If you wish to be notified about these upcoming auditions, please select Contact from the menu above and complete a message with subject name "2020-21 Audition"
-
Recent audition materials are below for your reference
Why Audition for YJED?
-
If you are auditioning for ILMEA Senior Jazz (which we wholeheartedly recommend!), the same materials are used to audition for YJED! You may already be ready!
-
If you are accepted...
-
You will play with top high school jazz talent from 20+ high schools in DuPage county and surrounding areas. You will grow faster as a musician, and that will help you be a stronger leader in your own high school bands!
-
You will play high-level jazz ensemble music that you otherwise might not have had the opportunity to play...both in concert and in an annual studio recording.
-
You will follow in a 20 year tradition. Whether you pursue a professional music career, continue to play for fun, or even just listen knowledgeably to jazz, your time in YJED will carry on with you long after your last recording session!
-
Instrumentalists audition material 2019-20 :
-
Perform 2019-20 ILMEA audition chart "Out The Window"’ by Adam Larson
-
Listen to and follow the score to "Out The Window" here.
-
Check with your school's band director for individual parts for your audition (or your school's band website may have them).
-
-
Perform your school’s 2019-20 Senior Jazz ILMEA Jim Snidero Etude (it will vary by ILMEA district, see www.ilmea.org for details).
-
Sight reading
-
By instrument, also demonstrate ability to:
-
(Saxophone/Trumpet/Trombone) Improvise on “F Blues.” More advanced improvisers are welcome to also improvise on “Bb Rhythm” changes.
-
(Piano) “Comp” on “F Blues” and “Bb Rhythm” changes.
-
(Guitar) Read or create a “comping pattern” for a Bossa Nova.
-
(Bass) Walk a bass line through an “F blues” and a “Bb Rhythm” changes. Also create bass lines for Latin (Samba, Bossa Nova) and funk grooves.
-
(Drums) Play Swing, Latin (Samba and Bossa Nova), and funk.
-
Note: Links for F Blues above from ILMEA website
-
Vocalists audition material 2019-20:
-
Bring two jazz standards of your choice to perform. You can bring a pre-recorded accompaniment or sing with a live rhythm section (you must bring lead sheets, we will provide the rhythm section).
YJED Member Expectations
-
Attendance is essential. Absences are executed if the director is notified 24 hours in advance of non-attendance. YJED members may be replaced due to multiple unexcused absences or at the discretion of the director
-
Rehearsals from November-May are Monday 6:30pm-8:30pm at Monroe Middle School in Wheaton. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled as required by the performance schedule.
-
Members are expected to learn the music outside of rehearsal and to come prepared. Rehearsal is not "practice your parts" time.
-
A financial commitment will be determined and communicated at the time of audition, to pay for rehearsal space rental, music acquisition, and other costs.
-
There is zero tolerance of smoking and drug use by members.
-
Members are expected to demonstrate respect toward other members, guest clinicians, and directors.
-
Parental involvement is strongly encouraged. The needs can vary from photography, chaperoning, providing media or providing snacks. Questions may be addressed to Mr. Blazek.





