Hudson Valley
Youth Jazz Orchestra
directed by Dan Shaut
​🎺 HVYJO Auditions
Auditions Now Open — 2026–27 Season
We are currently accepting students for our 2026-2027season.
About HVYJO
HVYJO is the Hudson Valley’s premier youth big band, directed by Dan Shaut. Students learn
advanced jazz repertoire, work with guest artists, and perform across the region.
🎺 Audition for the Hudson Valley Youth Jazz Orchestra
The Hudson Valley Youth Jazz Orchestra (HVYJO) is a selective ensemble for passionate, advanced student musicians. We welcome all traditional jazz instruments — saxophones, trumpets, trombones, piano, guitar, bass, and drums — and are looking for students ready to challenge themselves in a high-level ensemble setting.
🎧 How Auditions Work
Auditions are accepted by video submission and can be submitted any time during the season. Your audition video should include:
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🎵 One transcription or etude showcasing your tone, technique, and style
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🎶 Improvisation (optional) over a 12-bar blues or a standard jazz progression
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📈 Guitar/Piano/Bass Only - walking/comping over a standard ​
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🎵Drum Set - demonstrate different common jazz styles
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For more specific details:
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👉 Audition Materials​​​
📤 Submitting Your Video
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Upload your video directly here, or paste a link (YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) if the file is too large.
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Make sure your link is public or shareable so we can access it.
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You may submit your video any time during the season.
✅ After You Submit
Once we receive your video, we will review it and reach out with next steps. If accepted, you’ll receive rehearsal details, performance information, and next-season updates. We’re excited to hear you play — and we look forward to welcoming you into the HVYJO community! 🎷
🎓Eligibility
Students must be either enrolled in grades 8-12, or college, or if home schooled be 19 years old or younger.
🎷Instrumentation
As the region's premiere youth jazz orchestra we will adhere to traditional jazz instrumentation. Our ensemble will include; 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones and 1 bari saxophone, 4-5 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass and drums. We may also include vibraphone, vocalist, clarinet.
💵Tuition
HVYJO tuition for the 2024-2025 season is $250 per semester or $450 per year if paid in advance. There is also a $25 audition fee.
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Please contact us in advance if there is any difficulty paying tuition.We will provide financial aid to ALL students who need it.