FAME is excited to invite all middle and high school students music students in the Greater Washington Region to join its year-round FAME Jazz Band Program (FJBP) that provides music instruction, one on one academic tutoring, college planning and workforce readiness.

All students, including homeschool students, are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be committed to playing their musical instrument and learning and performing jazz music. FAME is seeking youth who are eager to grow in their artistic expression, as well as maintain high academic standards in the classroom. All standard jazz band instruments are invited. Selected musicians remain members until they graduate from high school.

This is a tuition Free program.

WHAT IS THE FAME JAZZ BAND PROGRAM?

More than just a band, the FAME Jazz Band was founded in 2015 as a community-based, year-round program that furthers FAME’s goal to empower young musicians by providing exceptional music training and academic support.

The FAME Jazz Band brought to life the bold vision of FAME’s Founder, Ms. A. Toni Lewis. Its success was made possible by the remarkable leadership and commitment of its inaugural Artistic Director, Mr. Nat Adderley, Jr.—a member of the legendary Adderley jazz family and internationally renowned jazz pianist, best known for his award-winning work as musical director, composer, and arranger for the iconic Luther Vandross.

APPLICATION PROCESS

FAME is excited to invite all middle and high school students in the Greater Washington Region to apply for the year-round FAME Jazz Band Program (FJBP). FAME provides students with music instruction, one-on-one academic tutoring, and college and career prep to ensure they are succeeding in all areas–providing them with more than just music education. All students, including homeschool students, are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be committed to playing their musical instrument, as well as learning and performing jazz music. FAME is seeking youths who are eager to grow their artistic expression, as well as maintain high academic standards in the classroom. All standard jazz band instruments are invited. Selected musicians may remain members until they graduate from high school.

The FJBP is composed of three components – the FAME Jazz Band, FAME Jazz Ensemble, and Musicians In Training. The judges will recommend which component is the best fit for you.

Application Requirements

Application Fee: A non-refundable $75 application fee is due by the deadline. The fee may be paid with your application via credit card, Cash App – $FAMEMUSIC, and PayPal.
Biographical Essay: Essays should address the following prompt in a clear and organized way. Describe your background and musical/educational experience and address how participation in the FAME Jazz Band Program would help you achieve personal or artistic goals. Also, tell us some of your favorite musicians and what about them interests you. Essays can be added to the application or emailed to auditions@famemusic.org and address the prompt above completely:

9th grade and under, essays should be at least 250 words.
10th grade and over, essays should be at least 350 words.

Teacher Recommendations: A teacher recommendation is required for each applicant. A music teacher, director or ensemble conductor is preferred if applicable, and available HERE.

Audition Preparation

Audition Music: Applicants will perform two songs of your choice that highlight your highest technical and musical skill. For jazz selections, feel free to use a ‘play-along’ track. Please notify us BEFORE the audition if you plan to use tracks. The music should not exceed three minutes each. A movement or selection of longer works is allowed. For classical selections, an accompanist is not required. Email a copy of your audition music to auditions@famemusic.org. On the Subject line put: “Audition Music for [STUDENT NAME]”.
Scales: Students should practice all major and minor scales, instructors will pick some for you to play.
Sight Reading: Students should practice their sight reading skills; instructors will provide a piece for them to play at the audition.

For additional information email auditions@famemusic.org or call 301-805-5358.

What:

Instrumental instruction

Math tutoring (one-on-one)

Music Technology & Production

College preparatory classes

Music & Life Skills Workshops

Summer enrichment programs

Renowned staff and educators

Premiere performance venues

And more!

When:

October 1: Application opens – Apply HERE.
November 5: Application & Essay deadline – 11:59PM
November 5: Teacher Recommendation deadline – 11:59PM

Where:

University of Maryland School of Music & Dr. Henry Wise High School

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Frequently asked Questions

About FAME

FAME – Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit serving the Greater Washington Metropolitan Region. FAME’s mission is to give every young musician the best opportunity to succeed in life by providing music instruction and academic support. Our programs enhance young lives through quality musical experiences and inspire young minds to take charge of their lives. FAME’s programs include:

FAME Jazz Band Program (read more below);

Summer Music Program provides safe places and structured activities for students across the country during summer months through fun music workshops that incorporate STEM learning, exposure to the college environment, and music industry related career opportunities.

The workshops include:

Music Technology, Vocal, and Jazz Band Instrumental Intensive. Music is Central supports school-day and after school music programs in local elementary, middle, and high schools by providing supplemental music instructors, materials, supplies, instruments and opportunities to share a performance stage with the FAME Jazz Band and professional musicians.

Additionally, FAME provides scholarships to public school teachers to purchase items for their classrooms and/or address student needs.

What is the FAME Jazz Band Program?

Music is Central supports school-day and after school music programs in local elementary, middle, and high schools by providing supplemental music instruction, materials, supplies, instruments and opportunities to share a performance stage with the FAME Jazz Band and professional musicians.

Additionally, FAME provides scholarships to public school teachers to purchase items for their classrooms and/or address student needs.

Application Process

Musicians should apply and audition for the FAME Jazz Band Program here. All auditions are conducted by a panel of judges. FAME uses one audition for placement into all three FJBP components.

Instrumentation

Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Guitar
Bass (electric/upright)
Piano
Drums/Percussion

Fees

There is a non-refundable $75 application fee required of all applicants due when your application is submitted. If admitted, an annual $350 program fee is due at the beginning of each season. Payments may be made via major credit card, PayPal, Cash App ($FAMEMUSIC) or check. Payments must be received before the audition is scheduled.

How is the FAME Jazz Band Program Funded?

Funding is made possible by monetary and in-kind donations from individuals and organizations. Our partners include Prince George’s County Government, University of Maryland College Park School of Music, United Parcel Service (UPS), PEPCO, Estee Lauder, MGM, MNCPPC, and other foundations and corporations.

Rehearsals & Performances.

After a successful audition students are placed in the FAME Jazz Band Program. Sectionals and Music Theory are held on Mondays after school at FAME-Wise, our satellite location at Dr. Henry A. Wise High School in Upper Marlboro, MD. Workshops, performances, events, recitals and other activities take place at various venues such as the University of Maryland College Park’s School of Music, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, and Harmony Hall Arts Center. One-on-one Math Tutoring sessions are held online via the FAME Online Learning Portal. Our academic partner is Innovative Study Techniques (IST).