top of page

The 2023 Call for Applications is Open!


AN OPPORTUNITY LIKE NO OTHER


JM International invites young talented jazz musicians between the ages of 18-26 to apply for the 2023 edition of the JM Jazz World Orchestra!


The JM Jazz World Orchestra is the world’s premier international youth jazz orchestra, comprised of talented jazz musicians, selected through a global open audition by an international jury. The band works with some of the planet’s finest conductors, players and composers and tours annually, appearing at prestigious European venues and jazz festivals.


We are looking for highly talented musicians between the ages of 18 and 26, playing saxophone, trombone, trumpet, horn, tuba, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, piano, vibes and vocals, and if you improvise, all other instruments are welcome. It is essential that you read sheet music, but the most important thing is your love for jazz!



The JMJWO is a unique opportunity to play with other first-class, young jazz musicians from around the world and to learn from some of the planet’s most accomplished jazz virtuosos who direct, mentor and perform alongside the orchestra. On top of maintaining the highest standards of musicianship, the orchestra offers an invaluable intercultural learning experience and a taste of life as an internationally touring musician.



MEET OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR


We are pleased to announce that US trombonist and composer/arranger Luis Bonilla will return for the 2023 edition, continuing his outstanding work as Artistic Director. Luis Bonilla is a US-Costa Rican trombonist, composer, arranger and educator. Bonilla's success as a sideman with such greats as McCoy Tyner, Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Bowie, Tom Harrell, Freddie Hubbard, Astrud Gilberto, Willie Colon and Toshiko Akiyoshi attests not only to the skill and variety of Bonilla’s talent but also to a mind restlessly committed to exploring some of the most complex and demanding music of our time. Bonilla has taught at some of the most prestigious music faculties in the US and Europe and is a respected touring musician with international pop artists like Tony Bennett, Alejandro Sanz, Diana Ross, Marc Anthony, La India, Mary J. Blige and, currently, Phil Collins on his European and Latin American tours. Luis Bonilla has taught at the Manhattan School of Music, Temple University, and the New England Conservatory. Since 2013, Bonilla has served as the musical director for the JM Jazz World International Youth Jazz Orchestra touring throughout Europe. He has been a guest artist and clinician at numerous colleges and music schools in the United States and internationally including the University of Memphis, the University of Northern Iowa, Riverside City College, the University of Wellington (NZ) and many more. He currently teaches at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Graz, Austria.



CROATIA CALLING!


The 2023 session will take place in July in the mystical Istrian village of Groznjan, Croatia. Groznjan offers the perfect setting to rehearse, hang and soak up the musical history that lives in the stones of the village. The rehearsal session is planned to begin on July 6th, 2023. The JM Jazz World session begins with a week of rehearsals, followed by a 5 -7 day international concert/festival tour in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy.



HOW TO APPLY


Applicants should apply online via the following form by no later than April 8 23:59 CET:



Candidates should be prepared to provide the following info:


  • Your full CV (It must contain information about the faculty of music, academy and school of music, and experience acquired as a jazz musician).

  • Links to videos with you performing at least 2 different pieces: a theme and an improvisation. The candidates need to be clearly heard, with an important soloist part.

  • A written recommendation from a music teacher or similar.

  • A signed statement from either your parents, yourself, university, school or a JMI National Member or Associate Section, stating that your travel costs to and from the tour will be covered.

  • A copy of your passport.



SELECTION PROCEDURE


A professional international jury will select the best candidates. The candidates who make it through the first selection may be asked to present additional material.



ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS


The jury will select up to 25 musicians to form the JM Jazz World Orchestra 2023 as well as a reserve shortlist of musicians, who may join the project in the case of cancellations. All candidates will be notified about the results by the end of April.



CONDITIONS


  • During your stay, all accommodation and material needs are provided by JM International. Transportation to and from the session Groznjan must be covered by the participant but may be sponsored by your national JM member organisation (www.jmi.net/members) or other local organisations or schools.

  • Musicians must take care of their own visas and all other official requirements, as well as ensure they have sufficient pocket money for their private expenses.

  • If invitation letters are required please contact JM International (info@jmjazzworld.com) once selected.

  • You must have a good comprehension of English as all workshops will be in English. Spanish is welcome too.

  • Selected musicians must insure their own instrument(s), travel and health.


MORE INFO


www.jmjazzworld.org

+385 981 696 98 92 /+32 2 513 97 74


Comments


bottom of page