Hudson Valley
Youth Jazz Orchestra
directed by Dan Shaut
​🎺 HVYJO Auditions
Auditions Now Open — 2025–26 Season
We are currently accepting students for our 2025-2026 season.
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.