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 was created for students who want more than a traditional school jazz band experience.
It is designed for young musicians who are passionate about jazz, eager to challenge themselves, and committed to reaching their highest musical potential.
Through weekly rehearsals, professional instruction, guest artists, sectionals, performances, and leadership opportunities, students experience an educational environment that prepares them for college, careers, and life.
More importantly, SLYJO develops confident young leaders who believe in themselves, encourage others, and understand the value of hard work, preparation, and teamwork.
Music is our vehicle. Building belief is our destination.
WHY SHOULD I JOIN SLYJO?
Students who become part of SLYJO aren't simply joining another band.
They're joining a community.
A family.
A culture built around excellence.
Here you'll meet students from many different schools who share your passion for jazz and your desire to become the very best musician—and person—you can be.
If you love jazz...
If you enjoy being challenged...
If you want to perform incredible music...
If you dream about college scholarships...
If you simply want to become better...
SLYJO is for you.
TOP TEN REASONS TO JOIN SLYJO
1. Perform with the Region's Best Young Jazz Musicians
2. Learn from Outstanding Educators and Professional Performers
3. Become a Better Musician Faster
4. Develop Improvisation Skills
5. Perform Exciting Music at a High Level
6. Build Friendships Across Southeast Louisiana
7. Prepare for College and Scholarships
8. Develop Leadership Skills
9. Perform at Outstanding Venues and Festivals
10. Become Part of Something Bigger Than Yourself
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At SLYJO we believe that great music begins with great people.
Music teaches discipline.
Preparation builds confidence.
Leadership develops through service.
Listening creates teamwork.
Character builds culture.
Culture produces excellence.
Every rehearsal is about becoming a better musician.
Every season is about becoming a better person.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
SLYJO is open to motivated middle and high school students who demonstrate a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to musical excellence.
Students from public schools, private schools, charter schools, homeschool programs, and neighboring communities are encouraged to audition.
Instrumentation includes:
Alto Saxophones
Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophones
Trumpets
Tenor Trombones
Bass Trombones
Piano
Guitar
Bass
Drum Set
Auxiliary Percussion
Selected Vocalists
WHAT DOES SLYJO EXPECT?
SLYJO is designed for students who are committed to excellence.
Members are expected to:
Attend weekly rehearsals.
Arrive early and fully prepared.
Practice consistently between rehearsals.
Demonstrate professionalism and respect.
Support fellow musicians.
Maintain a positive attitude.
Represent SLYJO with integrity.
Students who consistently prepare create an ensemble where everyone succeeds.
THE ROTATIONAL PERFORMANCE MODEL
Preparing Students for Real-World Musical Excellence
SLYJO uses a Rotational Performance Model, which reflects the way many collegiate and professional performing ensembles operate.
Rather than limiting membership to only the exact number of performers needed, SLYJO may include a small number of additional qualified musicians within selected sections.
This allows more outstanding students to participate while ensuring that every rehearsal remains balanced and every performance reflects the highest musical standards.
Why Do We Use This Model?
Consistently Outstanding Rehearsals
Life happens. Students occasionally become ill, have family obligations, or encounter unavoidable scheduling conflicts. Maintaining a slightly expanded roster allows every rehearsal to remain productive and musically complete.
Preparation Creates Opportunity
Students are expected to prepare every piece of music each week. Every rehearsal and every performance assignment matters. Those who consistently demonstrate preparation, growth, professionalism, and reliability will create more opportunities for themselves.
Professional Expectations
College and professional ensembles regularly rotate personnel, use substitute performers, and expect musicians to remain prepared at all times. Learning these expectations now prepares students for future musical opportunities.
Healthy Competition
SLYJO encourages students to challenge themselves—not each other. Healthy competition inspires everyone to improve while creating a supportive environment where students celebrate one another's success.
Every Student Matters
Every member is a valued part of SLYJO. Whether performing every concert, rotating into selected performances, or contributing during rehearsals, every student plays an important role in the success of the ensemble.
WHAT WILL WE DO?
Throughout the season students can expect:
Weekly rehearsals
Professional sectionals
Guest clinicians
Jazz improvisation classes
Leadership development
Community performances
Concert performances
Festival participation
Recording opportunities
College preparation
Social events and community building
MEMBERSHIP & TUITION
SLYJO operates from September through June.
Tuition: $200 per month
Tuition is due on or before the first rehearsal of each month.
Tuition helps support:
Professional instruction
Guest artists
Music purchases
Rehearsal facilities
Equipment
Administrative expenses
Scholarships
Special educational opportunities
Families will receive additional information regarding payment methods and registration before the season begins.
REQUIRED COMMITMENT
Joining SLYJO is a commitment to yourself and to your fellow musicians.
Students should expect to:
Practice consistently outside of rehearsal.
Attend rehearsals regularly.
Communicate conflicts well in advance.
Participate in scheduled performances.
Arrive prepared every week.
Demonstrate professionalism both on and off the stage.
Our goal is not perfection.
Our goal is consistent growth.
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 passion has always remained the same: Helping students become better musicians by helping them become better people.
READY TO JOIN SLYJO?
Whether your dream is performing professionally...
Receiving a college scholarship...
Studying music in college...
Or simply becoming the very best musician you can be...
We invite you to become part of the SLYJO family.