Columbus Youth Jazz 2026 Is here
The downbeat is just about to drop on another season of Columbus Youth Jazz!
Columbus Youth Jazz (CYJ) is a cornerstone program of Columbus Jazz education initiatives. Offered to students in grades 7–12, the CYJ program features four auditioned big bands as well as small group jazz combos open to all experience levels. These ensembles are transformative for the students who participate, both musically and personally.
One Columbus Youth Jazz student wrote that “….interacting with like minded individuals who appreciate music and jazz as much as myself is relieving in a way. I typically feel like an outsider when it comes to my drive and desire to participate in music and study as much as I do and being around people who share that was great.”
Students are placed in one of ten ensembles by interest and skill level, learning repertoire and techniques appropriate to their experience level.
Students placed in the big band ensembles perform classic big band repertoire along with contemporary music. Our ensembles, The Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra (CYJO), the Studio, the Ensemble, and the Workshop, are thoughtfully scaffolded to best serve the students. The top level ensemble, CYJO, emulates a professional big band, providing students serious about performance the unique opportunity to prepare for and sample a career in jazz ahead of graduation.The combos, small ensembles of 5-10 students, are assembled by experience level and are designed to develop jazz techniques in a fun, more casual environment. At the end of each semester, each combo will present their new tunes and hard work in a final performance.
These programs offer students invaluable experiences that they otherwise may not have had access to. One CYJ student remarks on this, writing, “I enjoyed being able to perform jazz with other closely skilled musicians. My school doesn’t have a jazz band so being able to play a genre I greatly enjoy with my peers have been great!”
Students specifically interested in jazz style singing have the opportunity to participate in Vocal Lab, where they will learn the ins and outs of singing jazz, including vocal technique, style, improvisation and band-leading in a group masterclass format. Each vocalist will also receive individualized private lessons throughout the semester to fine tune their final performance.
“The Youth Jazz program is entirely responsible for the confidence and excitement our kid has around music. Please continue to support our young musicians…We all benefit.” -CYJ parent
Through the generous support of donors and grantors, the Columbus Youth Jazz program is tuition free, reducing cost as a barrier to student participation. Support for our Columbus Youth Jazz program is gratefully accepted through our online giving platform or by following mailing instructions. Interested in legacy giving or sponsorship opportunities? Please reach out to Kelly Hebblethwaite Johnson, VP of Development. We’re eager to hear what inspires you and work with you to make your giving priorities a reality!