The UWM Youth Jazz Ensemble program provides an exciting opportunity for talented young musicians to further their development in the study and performance of jazz music. Directed by Curt Hanrahan, UWM-YJE I and II (also known as UJAY I and UJAY II) are high-caliber jazz ensembles that are open to high school and middle school students through audition only. Now in its sixteenth year, the UWM-YJE program began as a twenty-piece high school ensemble. A second group, made up primarily of middle school students, was added in 1994. UWM-YJE has performed with many prominent jazz artists such as Anita O'Day, Marvin Stamm, Ernie Watts, Frank Morgan, Carl Allen and Wayne Bergeron. The Youth Jazz Ensembles have also been exposed to the world of recording and have made five CDs. Many songs on these CDs are the result of student-driven projects, including the latest CD, Autumn in the East. In addition to its many activities, UWM-YJE joined the Youth Wind Ensembles on a tour of the British Isles in the summer of 1998.

Choose from the following:
How to Report an Absence
UWAY Calendar
Auditions Spring 2009

How to Report an Absence Top
ALL absences must be reported IN ADVANCE by calling the Jazz Ensemble director at 414-229-2451.

Be prepared with the following information:

• Name of Student (speak clearly and slowly for the voicemail)
  
• Name of the person making the call
  
• Ensemble (UJAY I or UJAY II)
  
• Instrument
  
• Reason for Absence
  

UWAY Calendar Top

Performances
All concerts take place in the Bader Concert Hall of the Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts, 2419 E. Kenwood Blvd.

2008-2009
December 14, 2008
May 10, 2009

2009-2010
December 13, 2009
May 9, 2010

Auditions Spring 2009 Top
Students must be nominated to audition by a school music or private lessons teacher no later than Friday, March 27, 2009. Only students who are endorsed by a teacher will be considered for audition.

Nominated students who meet the initial criteria for audition will receive a special packet of information and instructions by April 17, 2009.

Upon being invited to audition, students must call the UWM-JWE office (414-229-2451) to make an audition appointment during one of these audition days:

Friday, May 8, 2009: 4-8pm
Saturday, May 9, 2009: 10am-2pm

Click here to download spring 2009 Audition Procedures.

Information on audition material will be included in packets mailed in mid-April to nominated students.