Welcome, Jazzers!

 
 
 
“In times of change and uncertainty, we need the spirit of jazz more than ever before, to bring people - especially young women and men - together, to nurture freedom and dialogue, to create new bridges of respect and understanding, for greater tolerance and cooperation.”
— Irina Bokova
 

About Performing Artists at KMS

All the qualities of musical performing arts development are integrated in this unique program.

Our Performing Artists program is a creative, cross-genre education for your young and aspiring musician. The power of music, performance, creativity, personal growth, and belonging are harnessed together to make an incredible difference in your child's life. In this holistic music education program, your child builds their skills sequentially from pre-k through 12th grade, with each year laying a solid foundation for the next. Our carefully crafted program gives your child the tools to develop into a musician who fully expresses themselves creatively, all while thriving in a community of like-minded players. The program runs October through June. Read more about our program foundations here.


Jazz + Creative Orchestras

Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Orchestra director Benje Daneman leads his students on stage at The Union Cabaret and Grille.

Our audition-based large jazz ensembles present a unique opportunity for teens to play professional jazz orchestra arrangements and perform with their peers. Beyond the music, ensemble members are taught to have a high level of professionalism and preparation, punctuality, and a positive, open attitude. It is “team sports” for musicians.

Ages: 12 - 18
Entrance Requirement: jazz audition
Audition Materials: click here to audition; Deadline to audition is September 22, 2023.

KYJO: Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Orchestra (advanced)

Please check back in early July 2024 for the KYJO 2024 - 2025 dates and application!

KYJO is Southwest Michigan’s premier youth jazz ensemble/big band featuring 18 advanced student musicians allowing them the opportunity to grow as jazz players and musical leaders in their communities.

Weekly performance classes/rehearsals begin October 2, 2023 and run through June 30, 2023:

  • 120-min Band Performance Class (saxophones, trombones, trumpets, piano, guitar, bass, and drums) Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm

KYJLB: Kalamazoo Youth Jazz Lab and Workshop Band

Please check back in early July 2024 for the KYJLB 2024 - 2025 dates and application!

KYJLB is a jazz ensemble/big band for student musicians who aspire to be part of KYJO but need a bit more foundational experience with jazz. Led by professional jazz faculty, this band is the ideal situation for students to solidify their fundamental skills and grow as jazz musicians in a very supportive environment.

Weekly performance classes/rehearsals begin October 2, 2023 and run through June 30, 2023:

  • 75-min Band Performance Class (saxophones, trombones, trumpets, piano, guitar, bass, and drums) Tuesdays 5:00-6:15pm

Please check back in early July 2024 for the KYJO 2024 - 2025 dates and application!

2023 - 2024 Jazz and Creative Orchestras Information

jazz Inclusions

  • 33 weekly performance classes/rehearsals from October to June

  • 3 stage concerts (w/video) in December, March, and June

  • a high-quality personal travel music stand

  • fun activities to inspire creativity + build friendships

  • professional photography at our annual photo shoot in April

performing artist showcase Dates

Mark your calendar now for the big days! They’ll perform with their group in front of a crowd at the Jolliffe Theatre in the Epic Center.

  • Trimester 1 - Dec. 2023

  • Trimester 2 - Mar. 2024

  • Trimester 3 - Jun. 2024


program Tuition

KYJO - Total Program All-Inclusive Tuition: $1575

  • Monthly All-Inclusive Tuition Payment (October - June; 9 months): $175/mo

  • As an add-on for students enrolled in additional Performing Artist program: $1125 total; $125/mo

Lab & Workshop Band - Total Program All-Inclusive Tuition: $1260

  • Monthly All-Inclusive Tuition Payment (October - June; 9 months): $140/mo

  • As an add-on for students enrolled in additional Performing Artist program: $882 total; $98/mo

Please note that openings are first come, first serve and that all enrollments must be confirmed via the entrance requirements/auditions before they are finalized, so submit your audition now!

Check out other parts of the musical journey: