Auditions are now closed for our 2025-2026 Jazz Combos.
Missed joining a combo? Click here to join our contact list, so you can be kept up to date with registration dates and deadlines.
Join a combo (small groups of around 4–6 students) under the guidance of the acclaimed VSO School of Music Jazz faculty! Our Jazz Combo program welcomes students of all ages and abilities to explore a variety of jazz genres and develop ensemble and improvisation skills. Combos meet once per week for a 1.5 hour coaching with a member of our Jazz Department faculty. Combos may also arrange their own additional rehearsal time, and can work toward a variety of exciting performance opportunities.
Players are grouped with others of a similar age and experience level. Once combos are created, members will be required to pay 35% of the fee in order to secure their place.
Audition Requirements
Please upload your audition video as an unlisted YouTube link. If also applying to Big Band, you may use the same video(s), but please fill out both applications. You will only be charged the application fee once.
Vocals, Horns
Play/sing a standard in the following form: Head (melody), Solo (improvise over the form of the song), Head. Playing/singing with a backing track is encouraged but not required. This video should last no longer than 5 minutes.
Vocalists should have at least 2 years of ensemble singing experience.
Guitar, Piano, & Bass
1) Play a standard in the following form: Head (melody), Accompaniment/Comping/Walking Bass, Solo (improvise over the form of the song), Head. This video should last no longer than 5 minutes.
2) Demonstrate accompaniment on another song with a contrasting style (bossa, funk, ballad, etc).
Drums
1) Grooves: Play 16 bar phrases in the following styles (in this order as indicated): swing, funk, bossa. Combine all styles in one video.
2) Play a standard that features you and your versatility, technique and creativity. This selection should include piano or guitar and bass accompaniment. No longer than 5 min.
If you have any questions about joining a VSO School of Music Combo, or any of the VSO School’s jazz ensembles, please contact our Jazz & Winds, Brass, Percussion Programs Administrator, Madie Graham.