SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Building Better Musicians. Building Better People.
Where the Region's Most Dedicated Young Jazz Musicians Come Together
WHAT IS SLYJO?
The Southeast Louisiana Youth Jazz Orchestra (SLYJO) is the premier regional youth jazz ensemble of Hicks Music Institute, bringing together exceptional middle and high school musicians from throughout Southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
SLYJO is designed for students who want more: more challenge, more opportunities, more musical growth, and the experience of performing alongside other highly motivated young musicians who share their passion for jazz.
Through weekly rehearsals, professional instruction, guest artists, performances, festivals, recording opportunities, and leadership experiences, SLYJO challenges students to reach their highest potential, both on and off the stage.
Music is our vehicle. Building belief is our destination.
WHY SLYJO?
Think of SLYJO as an All-Star or select team for young jazz musicians.
Students remain active and committed members of their school music programs while coming together with outstanding musicians from other schools for an additional high-level musical experience.
SLYJO gives students the opportunity to:
Perform with exceptional young musicians from across the region
Learn from professional musicians, educators, and guest artists
Develop jazz style, improvisation, and ensemble skills
Perform challenging and exciting jazz literature
Prepare for college auditions, scholarships, and future musical opportunities
Build confidence, leadership, discipline, and professionalism
Develop friendships with students who share their passion for music
Perform at concerts, festivals, community events, and special venues
Experience professional recording and touring opportunities
Become part of a culture built around preparation, encouragement, teamwork, and excellence
Great music begins with great people.
Who Can Participate?
SLYJO is open to motivated middle and high school musicians who demonstrate a strong work ethic, positive attitude, musical ability, and commitment to excellence.
Students from public, private, charter, and homeschool programs throughout Southeast Louisiana, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and surrounding communities are encouraged to audition.
Instrumentation will be based on typical big band instrumentation and will include the following:
Alto Saxophones
Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophones
Trumpets
Tenor and Bass Trombones
Piano
Guitar
Bass
Drum Set
Auxiliary Percussion
Jazz Vocalists
Additional instruments not typically used in a big band setting will also be considered if there is interest.
The Commitment
SLYJO is a team, and every member plays an important role in its success.
Members are expected to:
Attend rehearsals and scheduled performances
Practice consistently between rehearsals
Arrive prepared and ready to perform
Communicate unavoidable conflicts well in advance
Demonstrate professionalism and respect
Encourage and support fellow musicians
Represent SLYJO with integrity
Our goal isn't perfection. Our goal is consistent growth.
THE ROTATIONAL PERFORMANCE MODEL
More Opportunities. High Standards. Real-World Experience.
SLYJO may include a small number of additional qualified musicians in selected sections rather than limiting membership to the exact number needed for every performance. All members rehearse, prepare the music, and contribute to the ensemble, while personnel may rotate for certain selections or performances.
This model helps SLYJO maintain a complete, high-level ensemble when students encounter unavoidable conflicts with school music programs, academics, athletics, church activities, or other commitments. It also allows more young musicians to experience the challenge, growth, and opportunities SLYJO provides.
Performance opportunities are influenced by preparation, musical growth, professionalism, reliability, and the needs of the ensemble. Much like collegiate and professional ensembles, students are expected to remain prepared when opportunities arise.
Most importantly, the model teaches students to support one another rather than compete against one another. Every member contributes to the success of the ensemble—whether performing at a particular event or preparing alongside the group for the next opportunity.
Every student matters. Every part matters. Every rehearsal matters.
Greater Flexibility. One Team.
Your SLYJO Season
SEPTEMBER THROUGH JUNE
SLYJO is designed as a 10-month musical journey filled with opportunities for students to rehearse, perform, learn, travel, record, and grow together.
WEEKLY REHEARSALS
Students rehearse weekly throughout the season, developing ensemble musicianship, jazz style, improvisation, articulation, balance, confidence, and leadership while preparing outstanding jazz literature.
The rehearsal schedule may be adjusted around major school holidays and breaks, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mardi Gras, and other significant events.
PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS & GUEST ARTISTS
Throughout the season, students will have opportunities to work with outstanding professional musicians and educators through sectionals, clinics, masterclasses, rehearsals, and performances.
CONCERTS & COMMUNITY PERFORMANCES
SLYJO will perform throughout Southeast Louisiana and the Gulf South through concerts, community events, special performances, and appearances featuring professional guest artists.
JAZZ FESTIVALS
The ensemble plans to participate in outstanding regional jazz festivals and educational events, potentially including the Loyola University Jazz Festival, Bill Evans Jazz Festival, and other opportunities throughout the Gulf South.
These experiences allow students to perform for respected jazz educators, receive valuable feedback, and hear other outstanding ensembles.
PROFESSIONAL RECORDING & VIDEO PROJECT
Near the end of the season, SLYJO plans to enter a professional recording studio to document some of the ensemble's strongest music from the year.
The project may include professional audio recording, an album or CD, photography, behind-the-scenes content, and professionally produced performance videos.
Students won't simply learn about the recording process.
They'll experience it.
THE SLYJO TOUR
The season is planned to culminate with an exciting performance tour or band trip featuring performances, educational experiences, significant jazz destinations, and opportunities to collaborate with professional musicians whenever possible.
The tour will bring together everything students have developed throughout the year: musicianship, independence, professionalism, teamwork, leadership, and friendship.
The season will conclude with a celebration recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of our students.
MEMBERSHIP & TUITION
SLYJO operates from September through June.
Tuition: $200 per month
Tuition is due on or before the first rehearsal of each month and helps support professional instruction, guest artists, music, rehearsal facilities, equipment, scholarships, administration, and special educational opportunities.
Families will receive complete registration and payment information before the season begins.
Recording & Travel
Professional recording, video production, and the end-of-season tour are not included in regular monthly tuition and may require additional fees.
SLYJO will actively pursue sponsorships, donations, grants, fundraising, and community partnerships to help reduce these costs and make these experiences as affordable and accessible as possible.
Families will receive costs, payment schedules, fundraising information, and travel details well in advance.
OUR CORE VALUES
Believe in Yourself
Prepare with Purpose
Lead by Example
Encourage Others
Serve the Ensemble
Pursue Excellence Every Day
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
For more than 35 years, Lee Hicks has dedicated his career to helping students discover what they are capable of accomplishing through music.
His ensembles have earned state and national recognition, including performances at The Midwest Clinic and the Jazz Education Network Conference, while developing countless student leaders, music educators, and professional musicians.
As a performer, educator, clinician, adjudicator, and former President of the Louisiana Music Educators Association, Lee's philosophy remains simple:
Build better musicians by building better people.
READY TO BE PART OF SLYJO?
Whether you hope to study music in college, earn a scholarship, become a professional musician, or simply become the best musician you can be, SLYJO can help you take the next step.
Interested in joining us?
Complete the SLYJO Interest Survey
“The work Lee is embarking on will change the way students in Louisiana hear music, play music, and live music...”
“Lee knows that today’s students need ensemble experiences that go beyond fingerings and slide positions—experiences that address phrasing, style, musical meaning, and nuance, becoming part of each player’s internal musical vocabulary.”
— Doug Stone
Associate Professor of Jazz Studies
Louisiana State University
“Lee’s students are some of the finest young musicians in the state because of his outstanding teaching and support. They are challenged in all aspects of musical performance and are well prepared with strong foundations for a future in music.”
— Gordon Towell
Director of Jazz Studies
Loyola University New Orleans