Workshop Ensembles
Widely known as one of the most prestigious jazz education programs on the West Coast, YLJC has small ensembles for every skill level as well as big band.
SPRING 2026 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Workshop Ensembles
What Are Workshop Ensembles?
Workshop ensemble classes are for students who are not quite ready for the demands of being in a YLJC ensemble but want to gain the experience necessary to join an ensemble in the future. After these classes, students should be comfortable and ready for the challenges of being in the YLJC Youth Ensemble Program.
Who Is Eligible?
One year playing your instrument is highly recommended.
For students up to 18 years of age with less than a year of experience on their instrument, we recommend starting with private instruction to establish a solid foundation. This individualized learning path ensures that each student receives the attention and guidance needed for their musical development. YLJC’s tuition is $1250 for the academic year, for the same amount a beginning student can access 15 to 17 private lessons, providing an excellent start. After completing a year of private instruction, we find that students are more comfortable and prepared to fully embrace and benefit from the comprehensive ensemble instruction and opportunities available at YLJC, leveraging their skills for maximum advantage.
What’s Included?
Students are placed in ensembles of six to nine students and rehearse weekly.*
*Instrumentation can be varied (examples: we might have 4 pianists and 1 drummer, or, 2 sax, 2 pianists and a bass player, etc.)
Curriculum: Music theory, ear training, reading music—sight reading, improvisation, how to play in a group setting, jazz history.
Class Schedule: Classes take place on Saturdays or Sundays. You can find the class calendar and rehearsal locations here.
Performance Opportunities: Ensembles will have an opportunity to play at our All-Ensembles Showcases (Dec & June). Workshop ensembles are not required to perform at Panama 66 (unless the group is ready and willing). This takes the pressure off students as they grow musically.
Tuition
Tuition is paid by the acendemic year. There is also a reccurring monthly payment plan available.
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$1,250 for the acedemic year
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See adjusted Spring 2026 tuition below​
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$25 non-refundable registration fee
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There are no class material fees
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Billing invoices are sent via email after ensemble placements. We accept check and credit cards. Families who have multiple students enrolled in the program will receive a 50% siblings discount on the tuition fee for the second student.
Scholarships
We believe no child should miss out on the opportunity and enrichment that music education provides.
Full, half and gap scholarships are available to students who show merit and whose families demonstrate financial need.
SPRING 2026 DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Feb 2, 2026
Registration
Spring Semester 2026 – Registration Now Open!
Now accepting registration for Spring 2026.
*All new and returning students must register.
*All students are required to submit a video audition.
Adjusted Schedule:
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We just completed work on our third room (Suite 110), which allows us to add additional ensembles. Due to the delay, the Spring 2026 semester will be shortened to 12 weeks.
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Classes will begin February 21 and 22, 2026.
Adjusted Tuition:
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Tuition for the 12 week Spring session is $535.
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Tuition is due March 15, 2026, and invoices will be sent to parents and guardians via email.
Important Dates:
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January 19: Registration Closes
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January 26: Audition Videos Due
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On or Before February 17: Placement Announcement​
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February 21 & 22: Classes Begin
Placement Spring 2026
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Due to the high level of interest in the program, placement is not guaranteed for any student—new or returning—as space is limited.
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Placement is based on instrumentation needs, audition performance and instrument proficiency.
$25 non-refundable registration fee
Audition Process
SPRING 2026
New & Returning Students
Video Auditions
All students registering for Spring 2026 are required to submit an audition videos.
Spring 2026 audition videos are due January 26, 2026
Audition submissions must be compiled into one video. Videos must be uploaded to YouTube and submitted using YLJC’s Audition Form. Cell phone videos are acceptable.
Placement Process
Following in-person or video auditions, Artistic Director Gilbert Castellanos thoughtfully places students into ensembles alongside peers of similar skill level, with careful attention to each individual's musical strengths. Due to the high level of interest in the program, placement is not guaranteed for any student—new or returning—as space is limited.
Placement is based solely on musicianship and is not influenced by class day or time. Students with known scheduling conflicts during the fall semester are encouraged to audition for spring; however, spring placement is based on instrumentation needs and only offered if spots are available.
"Learning music is a journey that is unique to each individual. Creating and playing jazz is not a competition, it's a collaboration with other musicians. Wherever a musician is in their journey, accepting their position and working to improve the group as a whole as well as individually, is the best pathway to growth. This can also be applied in everyday life!"
- Gilbert Castellanos
Placement announcements are sent via email.
Audition Requirements
SPRING 2026
Due to the high level of interest in the program, placement is not guaranteed for any student—new or returning—as space is limited. Placement is based on audition performance and instrument proficiency.
Carefully Read and Follow the Requirements
Click on your instrument to download the requirements.
Auditions will not be considered if requirements are not followed.
Please disregard the dates on the audition requirements
Use the dates on this webpage.