Welcome to Young Lions Jazz Conservatory (YLJC). We’re excited to have you in our program!
NEW TO YLJC
Students who did not participate in the 2023–24 season or are new to YLJC
Due to the high level of interest in the program, placement is not guaranteed for any student—new or returning—as space is limited.
NEXT STEPS
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1. Reserve a Time Slot for Your Audition
Students new to YLJC will have an in-person audition on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
📍 Location: Liberty Station, Room 2
2650 Truxtun Road, Suite 107
San Diego, CA 92106
If you’re not available on August 9, please contact us at info@yljc.org.
2. Download Requirements
Go to our Youth Ensembles page on the website.
Find your instrument and click to download the audition packet.
Read the audition requirements carefully.
🎯 Note: Auditions will not be considered if requirements are not followed.
💬 Questions?
Ask the YLJC ChatBot for quick answers!
Not finding answers?
Don’t hesitate to reach out — we're here to help! 📧 info@yljc.org
Helpful Information
Use YLJC ChatBot 🤖
The YLJC ChatBot provides quick answers to commonly asked questions about our program including:
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Information available on our Website
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Audition Requirements
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Class Schedules
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YLJC Policies
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Instructor Contact Information
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Events
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Clinc & Masterclasses
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and general music questions
We recommend that all students and families bookmark the YLJC ChatBot or add it to your phone’s home screen so you can get your questions answered quickly and easily.
Please note that the YLJC ChatBot is designed to respond only to questions related to YLJC and general music topics.
Class Dates and Location
📅 Classes begin: September 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18, 2025
(Full 2025–26 class calendar available here)
📍 Location: YLJC @ Liberty Station
The scholarship application window will open on May 2, 2025, and close on August 2, 2025.
Performances
YLJC’s home away from home is Panama 66 in Balboa Park (Google Map). Our student ensembles perform there every Wednesday evening, followed by a jam session hosted by our Artistic Director, Gilbert Castellanos.
Wednesday nights at Panama 66 are a great opportunity to see the ensembles in action, meet our instructors, and connect with current students and families. The events are free and open to all ages, so bring your friends and family!
➡️ See who's playing next: Events
Clinics & Masterclasses
Kakos Clinics & Materclasses is a TUITION-FREE program for current YLJC students and FREE to the community. Thank you to Charles and Gina Kakos for the generous sponsorship! 🙏
➡️ See upcoming Clinics & Masterclasses