The V.I. Youth Ensemble, which has continued to nurture young musicians within the community, is holding open auditions for junior high and high school students on Saturday, Jan. 27, and Sunday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the music building at the University of the Virgin Islands’ St. Thomas campus. St. Croix students interested in auditioning can call (646) 725-3353.
The V.I. Youth Ensemble, developed by the United Jazz Foundation under Grammy Award winner Dion Parson, is an after-school program dedicated to providing performance-based music literacy to students across the islands. Participants receive training in classic fundamentals and have the opportunity to showcase, which also nurtures their creativity, talent and performance techniques while giving them a chance to build their musical repertoire with skilled faculty.
The ultimate goal is to educate and mentor students interested in a professional music career and help them reach their full potential, according to organizers.
Students auditioning must bring their musical instrument and an audition piece of their choice. Students will hear within two days whether they will be joining the beginners, intermediate or advanced ensemble.
For returning students, walk-in auditions will be held Jan. 27, with classes starting on Saturday, Feb. 3.
