Justin Faulkner, Director & Conductor

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The Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra (PYJO), a new program division of the Institute, creates a unique opportunity for students to explore the origins of the American contribution to the sonic history of the world.

This program provides advanced instrumental student access to intense training, music, personal and social development, and performance opportunities featuring classic repertoire from the golden age of the quintessential jazz orchestra and big band format. In addition to musical advancement, members will develop situational awareness, social skills, and the building of character traits such as discipline, teamwork, trust, and determination.

Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra auditions are open to wind (saxophone), brass (trumpet, trombone, tuba) and rhythm section (drum set, vibraphone, guitar, piano, bass) students ages 15 through 21.

PYJO rehearsals take place on Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., mid-September through early-June, at Saint Patrick Hall (240 South 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103).

Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra offers:

• the opportunity to work with highly experienced professional conductors, world-renown musicians, and educators; to develop a relationship with the origins of the American sound and perform in the premiere performance venues in the Philadelphia region. 

• Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra offers instrumental music training for technically advanced wind, brass, and rhythm section students, focusing on developing musicianship and professional-level jazz orchestra performance skills. 

• In addition, there is advanced instrumental training through master classes, ensemble, and sectional rehearsals with leading expert educators and musicians. 

• Access to advanced but, most importantly, classic jazz orchestra literature through rehearsal and performance. 

• There will be many opportunities for students to showcase their collective talents at professional concert venues such as Verizon Hall at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, one of the world’s great concert halls, and The Philadelphia Orchestra’s home.

• It is a platform for students to develop their collegiate and conservatory application qualifications and learn about existing pathways to careers in the music industry outside of teaching and performing.

• Mentorship and volunteer opportunities with students in other program divisions of the Institute.

• An investment in each student’s future through the development of diligence, responsibility, and personal commitment to excellence — all lessons that have a lasting impact on a student’s character and future success.

2023 – 2024 Season Repertoire

Count Basie
Corner Pocket

Carmichael & Adams / Clayton
Little Old Lady

Ellington / Berger
C Jam Blues

Ellington / Berger
Chinoiserie

Ellington / Berger
Purple Gazelle

Ellington / Mills / Parish / Berger
Sophisticated Lady

Gershwin / Strayhorn / Berger
Rhapsody in Blue

Gilliespie / Fuller / Berger
Things to Come

Hefti
Li’l Darlin’

Mingus / Johnson
Goodbye Pork Pie Hat

Mingus / Slagle
Fables of Faubus

Moten / Wilkins
Moten Swing