Join as a Musician

Join the founding roster of a Basie-forward 17-piece jazz orchestra in Syracuse/CNY.

Biweekly evening reading sessions · authentic repertory · strong readers welcome

Who This Is For

Salt City Jazz Orchestra is built for musicians who read well, listen hard, and care about section sound, feel, and style. We welcome advanced students, faculty, and experienced adult players who want serious large-ensemble playing in a disciplined but welcoming environment.

This is not a casual drop-in jam. The goal is a stable reading and performance orchestra with clear expectations, strong preparation, and real musical growth over time.

Why Play With Us

We're building the kind of ensemble strong players actually want to come back to: a clear book, a consistent schedule, a serious musical standard, and a real path toward public performance.

Authentic Book

Our library includes more than 60 professionally published charts from the Basie tradition and beyond.

Sustainable Cadence

Biweekly rehearsals create continuity and momentum without demanding a weekly commitment.

Real Ensemble Work

Style, articulation, balance, phrasing, dynamics, and time feel matter here.

Path to Performance

The band is being built for showcases, concerts, private events, and future paid opportunities when appropriate.

Current Needs

We are especially interested in hearing from:

Lead-capable trumpet players
Strong alto, tenor, and bari readers
Trombone section players and subs
Drummers with mature big-band feel
Bass, piano, and guitar subs

Strong readers across all chairs are encouraged to introduce themselves.

Instrumentation (5/4/4 + Rhythm)

Saxophones 5 (2 alto, 2 tenor, 1 bari)
Trombones 4 (3 tenor, 1 bass)
Trumpets 4
Rhythm Piano, bass, drums, guitar (optional)

Best Fit For

Confident readers who show up prepared
Students seeking real big band experience
Faculty and experienced adult players
Subs who want to stay connected to serious playing

What We Read

The book includes Count Basie classics, Sammy Nestico, Frank Foster, Neal Hefti, Billy Byers, Thad Jones, swing-era standards, and selected modern big-band staples. If you love the Basie sound but also want a library deep enough to stay interesting, you'll feel at home here.

View full repertoire

How Joining Works

1

Complete the musician intake form.
2

We review submissions by instrument, chair needs, and roster balance.
3

If there is a fit, we follow up with reading-session details and next steps.
4

Chairs are assigned according to instrumentation needs, ensemble balance, and program goals.

This keeps the process simple, fair, and musically coherent.

What to Expect

Come prepared, bring a pencil, communicate clearly, and respect the ensemble. Music will be organized in advance, rehearsals will start on time, and the focus will be on listening, style, and making the band sound good quickly.

Ready to Join the Founding Roster?

Tell us your instrument, chair interests, availability, and experience — and we'll be in touch as the roster takes shape.

Ready to connect?

Fill out our quick form and we'll get back to you within 48 hours.

Open Musician Intake Form

Prefer email? Reach us at stgeorgejas@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to audition?

No formal audition is required. Placement begins through the intake form and reading sessions.

Is it paid?

The immediate goal is building the band. Compensation for performances will depend on the engagement and budget.

Can students participate?

Yes. Strong student players are welcome and can gain real large-ensemble experience alongside faculty and adult players.

How often do you rehearse?

Biweekly (two rehearsals per month) on a consistent evening slot.

What should I bring?

Instrument, stand (if possible), pencil. Trumpets: bring any mutes you already own.

Can I join as a sub even if I cannot commit fully?

Yes. We are building both a core roster and a strong sub list.

Have Questions?

We're happy to chat about the ensemble and whether it's the right fit for you.

Send Us a Message