Call for applications: JM Jazz World Orchestra in Croatia

The JM Jazz World Orchestra is a premier international youth jazz orchestra comprising 21 talented jazz musicians who are selected through a global open audition by an international jury. The band works with some of the world’s finest conductors, players and composers, and tours annually, appearing at prestigious European venues and jazz festivals.

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 world’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 the life of an internationally touring musician.

The 2022 session will offer the perfect setting to rehearse, hang out and soak up the musical history that lives in the village of Grožnjan. The session will begin with a week of rehearsals, followed by a seven to 10 day international festival tour.

How to apply

Applicants can apply online here before 31 March.

Candidates should be prepared to provide the following information:

• Full CV. The CV must contain information about the faculty of music, academy or school of music, and experience acquired as a jazz musician.
• Links to videos with the applicant performing at least two different pieces: a theme and an improvisation. The candidates need to be clearly heard, with a soloist part.
• A written recommendation from a music teacher or similar.
• A signed statement from either the applicant’s parents, applicant, university, school or a JMI National Member or Associate Section, stating that the applicant’s travel costs to and from the tour will be covered. 
• A copy of the applicant’s 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 JMJWO 2022 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 the artist’s stay, all accommodation and material needs are provided by JM International. Transportation to and from the session in Grožnjan must be covered by the participant but may be sponsored by the applicant’s national JM member organisation or other local organisations or schools.
• Musicians must take care of their own visas and all other official requirements, and ensure that they have sufficient pocket money for their private expenses.
• If invitation letters are required, applicants should contact JM International at info@jmjazzworld.com once selected.
• Applicants 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 insurance.
• All musicians are expected to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and present relevant documentation in order to participate at the event.

“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 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,” JM International said.

View the original call here.