Sponsored By Mrs. Joan and Dr. Irwin Jacobs
YLJC Jacobs Jazz Orchestra and Jacobs B-Band are TUITION-FREE programs, thanks to the generous sponsorship provided by Mrs. Joan Jacobs and Dr. Irwin Jacobs!
JACOBS JAZZ ORCHESTRA
&
JACOBS B-BAND
Who Is Eligible
All San Diego County middle and high school students are eligible for this tuition-free program. Spots are limited and placement is not guaranteed.​​
Instrumentation & Availability
Each big band includes the following standard instrumentation:
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5 saxophones (2 alto, 2 tenor, 1 baritone)
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4 trumpets
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4 trombones (3 tenor, 1 bass)
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4-piece rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, and drums).
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Optional positions may include a vocalist and auxiliary percussionists (e.g., congas, vibes).
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Woodwind doubling (e.g., flute, clarinet, soprano saxophone or bass clarinet) may also be required for saxophonists depending on the repertoire.
We are looking to fill positions based on this instrumentation. Space is limited, so availability will depend on the number of openings in each section. Priority may be given to students who demonstrate strong reading/ sight reading skills, strong musicianship, consistent attendance, and a high level of commitment.
Musicianship Requirements
Reading/ Sight Reading Music: Students must be proficient in reading and sight-reading music with syncopated rhythms, odd time signatures, and frequent key changes. Players should maintain rhythmic alignment and strong awareness of the ensemble to ensure cohesion.
Awareness: Students should understand their role within their section and follow the established section hierarchy—blending stylistically, rhythmically, in intonation, and dynamically. Success means knowing when to blend and when to stand out, based on that role. Leave your ego at the door!
Preparation: Students must be motivated to prepare their music independently—putting in the time to not only learn their part, but to perform it with confidence, clarity and conviction, embodying the style and feel of the original recordings. Listening to those recordings is essential for understanding the phrasing, articulation, and stylistic choices needed to be fully prepared for each rehearsal.
Improvisation: Students are expected to be confident improvisers with a strong desire to grow. Solo opportunities should be taken seriously, with thoughtful preparation focused on fluency over chord changes, use of authentic jazz language, and maintaining rhythmic intensity and melodic conviction. The goal is to make an intentional artistic statement that honors the tradition and moves the audience.
Big Band Registration
- Closed for 2025–26
Placement
Spots are limited and placement is not guaranteed. YLJC Artistic Director, Gilbert Castellanos, will evaluate students based on their abilities and place them into either the Jacobs Jazz B-Band (intermediate) or the Jacobs Jazz Orchestra (advanced and highly competitive).
Auditions
Students already registered and auditioning for our 2025–26 ensemble program do not need a separate big band audition—we’ll use your existing video or in-person audition. However, please fill out this form to confirm you’d like to be considered for big bands this year.
Tuition-Free
YLJC Jacobs Jazz Orchestra and Jacobs-B-Band are TUITION-FREE programs, thanks to the generous sponsorship provided by Mrs. Joan Jacobs and Dr. Irwin Jacobs!
What’s Included?
Curriculum: Jacobs Jazz B-Band (intermediate) and the Jacobs Jazz Orchestra (advanced) members are expected to practice their assignments at home and be ready to perform in class. Assignments range from learning new music, practicing their parts, transcribing solos, composing tunes, etc.
Class Schedule: Jacob Jazz Orchestra and Jacobs B-Band both rehearses weekly on Monday evenings. You can view the class calendar here.
Performance Opportunities: Jacob Jazz Orchestra and Jacobs B-Band will have an opportunity to play in at least one Wednesday-evening concert at The Young Lions Series at Panama 66. In addition, we hope to travel to compititions in the near furture.
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Sponsored By Mrs. Joan and Dr. Irwin Jacobs