ABOUT THE JAZZ ENSEMBLE

FWYO Jazz, directed by Ken Ebo, is the exciting new jazz performance and education arm of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra. FWYO Jazz is a standard large jazz ensemble and performs classic, contemporary, and original works from the libraries of many great big bands, arrangers, and composers. Jazz is an American national treasure and is the perfect artistic vehicle for young musicians to flourish in the realms of community, character, and citizenship. FWYO Jazz is committed to providing unique opportunities for our students to preserve, promote, and perform jazz in a vibrant educational setting.

 

AUDITIONS

Annual auditions are held for every position in FWYO Jazz, including the following instruments: ALTO SAX, TENOR SAX, BARI SAX, TRUMPET, TROMBONE, BASS TROMBONE, PIANO, BASS, DRUMS, GUITAR. For more information regarding applications & auditions, visit our website’s “Apply & Audition” page or contact David Warren (FWYO Director of Artistic Operations) at dwarren@fwyo.org.

 

JAZZ ENSEMBLE TUITION

Current FWYO Jazz tuition is $500 per season (subject to change each year). Once offered a position in FWYO Jazz, a deposit will be due in order to reserve your position, and will be applied to the tuition total. Tuition is set by the Board of Directors annually, and is non-refundable. Financial aid is available for those who apply and qualify.

 

CONCERTS

The FWYO Jazz concert season consists of several concerts held in various venues, including the Kimbell Art Museum, Texas Christian University, IM Terrell Academy, Sundance Square, and other venues in the DFW area.

 

REHEARSALS

FWYO Jazz rehearsals are held on Mondays, 6:00–8:00pm at FWYO’s Orchestra Hall – 4401 Trail Lake Drive, Fort Worth, Texas, 76109.

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SCHOOL PARTICIPATION

The FWYO does not exist to replace school music programs, but to provide enhanced musical training and performance opportunities. It is required that all FWYO members participate in their school music programs. Permission to participate in the FWYO Programs without participation in your primary education institution’s music programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Participation in a school program in addition to FWYO provides many benefits to young musicians, including experience in playing a wider variety of music, continual training in techniques and musicianship, the opportunity to work with and gain experience from a variety of music directors, and broader access to local and statewide opportunities, venues, and scholarships.