JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band

Since 2008, The JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band has been presenting excellence in music education for talented and enthusiastic high school students.  In addition to providing students the experience of being part of this unique ensemble, The Youth Big Band provides a cultural asset for our community.

The Youth Big Band has played with artists such as Al Jarreau, Branford Marsalis and Joey Calderazzo, at venues such as the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Massey Hall, the Rochester Jazz Festival and our annual fundraising concert – Jazz Lives.

Led by educator and professional musician Jules Estrin, the band rehearsals provide mentorship, and encourage development and growth. Participation is provided free of charge to band members - Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors:

LEAD

ASSOCIATE

For more information about how you or your student can audition, please contact youthbigband@jazz.fm .

This program is important to me because it allows me to do something I love while being with other people who share my passion. At school, people take jazz as a class, but at JAZZ.FM91 people join because they love playing the music.

It is the only ensemble in which I am constantly being challenged and I’m constantly learning new things from it in terms of both performance and musicianship aspects.

Playing in the band gave me experience playing at a higher level than I could elsewhere, with other people my age who are incredibly talented. It also…helped me meet people involved in jazz…I was thoroughly challenged musically which helped me improve as a musician.