Our audition portal for the 2026-27 Combo Program is now closed. If you are still interested in applying, please contact our Jazz and Winds, Brass, Percussion Programs Administrator, Madie Graham.
Interested in additional Jazz ensembles? Check out Jazz Institute, Big Band, and Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
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 (14+ years old) program invites students of all experience levels to explore a wide range of jazz styles, while building strong ensemble and improvisational skills. Each combo meets weekly for a 1.5‑hour coached session led by a member of our Jazz Department faculty. Participants have the opportunity to work toward a variety of exciting performance experiences including concerts in Pyatt Hall and additional venues.
Junior Jazz Combo (10–13 years old) is a fun and supportive small-group ensemble for young musicians who are ready to explore jazz. Students will build confidence playing with others while learning improvisation, swing feel, jazz repertoire, listening skills, and basic jazz theory. This class is a great introduction to combo playing at the VSO School of Music. Coached by Julian Borkowski.
Players are grouped with others of a similar age and experience level. Once combos are rostered, members will be required to pay 35% of the fee to secure their place and the remaining fees will be paid in monthly instalments.
Audition Requirements
Please upload your audition video as an unlisted YouTube link. If you are also applying to Big Band, you may use the same video(s), but please fill out both applications. There is a $40 Application fee for new students.
Vocalists & 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.