2026 National Arts Competition Application Requirements

Jazz – Percussion

Please follow the requirements as closely as possible. Failure to comply with the requirements may make your application ineligible for an award.  

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(For vibraphone, though a percussion instrument, please see Instrumental requirements.)

Application Requirements

Each selection should be three (3) to five (5) minutes in length. All should be played in combo format (minimum: piano or guitar, bass, and drums) with either a live band or a pre-recorded format (preferred). Sticks and brushes should be clearly distinguishable in the recording. The instrument to be judged should predominate.

Please submit a total of three (3) individual digital video recordings that include the following and in the following order (Brushwork must be incorporated in at least one of the 3 selections):

  • The 12-bar blues piece “Billie’s Bounce” by Charlie Parker must be performed with a combo at tempo marking (quarter note equals 180). Audition must include playing time for two or more choruses behind a soloist and one or more choruses of a drum solo.
  • Perform one (1) Latin tune such as “Nica’s Dream” or “Night in Tunisia.”
  • An up-tempo tune in any jazz style, except blues. MUST BE PERFORMED at a tempo marking 240 bpm (quarter note equals 240) and must include at least three choruses of improvisations. Composers such as Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Horace Silver, Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock or George Gershwin are suggested but not required. No original compositions.

Guidelines for Recording Your Audition

  • Use a fixed point of view for your camera that shows all band members. Shoot straight on, leaving the camera in one location. Do not pan or move the camera.
  • Ensure recording captures good quality image and sound. Check for good balance and blend.
  • Do not make edits within a piece.
  • Include three (3) seconds of silence before the beginning of a piece.
  • No sound enhancements are allowed.

Media Submission Requirements

  • Save and name your files individually with their titles.
    • Total size for each file cannot exceed 2 GB.
  • Upload each selection as a separate video file.
  • List the title of piece and the composer in the correct spaces provided on your application.
  • Do not put your name or any identifying information in or on your media submission.
  • When uploading, be sure that the video image is upright (not sideways or upside down) and plays smoothly.
  • Please do not edit within a piece or submit pre-recorded live performances, such as recitals, concerts or competitions.

NOTE: You are welcome to submit materials that have been part of other applications or projects. YoungArts does not own any works submitted to the competition, however if your work has been submitted to other competitions, you are responsible for obtaining permission to submit to YoungArts, if necessary.