2026 Registration
We invite you to register for the 48th National Youth Jazz Competition!
The Tauranga Jazz Society are very excited to be staging the 48th National Youth Jazz Competition from Monday 30 March to Wednesday 1 April 2026.
We have trophies for Big Bands and Combos, plus Emerging, Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. We have an exciting programme of performances planned with on-stage workshops for all bands, opportunities for bands to perform in Downtown Tauranga, a special evening concert on Tuesday, workshops, plus a performance by the auditioned 2026 NYJC Big Band before Prizegiving.
We look forward to having you join us.
- Monday 30 March to Wednesday 1 April 2026
Programme
- Mon 30 March
- 8.30am – 5.30pm Combo Competition | X Space Theatre
- 9.15am – 5.15pm Big Band Competition | Addison Theatre
- 5.30pm – 7.00pm Rehearsal NYJC Big Band 2026
- 5.00pm – 8.30pm Workshop, performance opportunities
- Tues 31 March
- 8.30am – 5.30pm Combo Competition | X Space Theatre
- 9.15am – 5.15pm Big Band Competition | Addison Theatre
- 5.30pm – 7.00pm Rehearsal NYJC Big Band 2026
- 8.00pm – 9.30pm Capital City Big Band Concert $15
- Wed 1 April
- 8.30am – 4.00pm Combo Competition | X Space Theatre
- 9.15am – 4.30pm Big Band Competition | Addison Theatre
- 5.00pm – 5.30pm NYJC Big Band 2026 Performance
- 5.30pm – 6.30pm Prizegiving
Where
- Baycourt Community and Arts Centre, 38 Durham Street, Tauranga
Test Pieces for the 2026 National Youth Jazz Competition
- Combo Test Piece
‘Caravan’ by Tizol/Ellington
In this folder are the concert, Bb, Eb and vocal charts.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RKpYERcHZaUv9VhVTvcV3jRyJPJLfcaI?usp=drive_link
- Big Band Test Pieces
There are two Big Band Test Pieces to choose from based on your student’s ability. Choose one of the following:
Level 1 – Advanced Test Piece is
‘Basie Straight Ahead‘ by Sammy Nestico (eprint option)
https://www.jwpepper.com/basie-straight-ahead-543157-1187663/p
Level 2 – Intermediate Test Piece is
‘Until I Met You‘ (Corner Pocket) Arr. Mark Taylor (eprint option)
https://www.jwpepper.com/until-i-met-you-2475708-1588860/p
The melody in the A section is great for saxes to learn how to play with a good swing feel. The solo section between bars 37 – 69, could be repeated to have more solos if desired by any of the bands.
Competition rules:
The National Youth Jazz Competition Rules can be found here
Adjudication:
Big Band Judges are:
- Lana Law
- Nick Tipping.
Combo Judges are:
- Ben Wilcock
- Roger Manins
All bands will receive written comments from the adjudicators, be graded by points, and be eligible for trophies plus Gold, Silver, Bronze and Emerging Awards.
Big Bands will be assessed on:
- Technical Skills (20%)
- Musicianship (25%)
- Horn Section (20%)
- Rhythm Section (20%)
- Improvisation (15%)
Combos will be assessed on:
- Technical Skills (20%)
- Ensemble (20%)
- Improvisation (25%)
- Interpretation (20%)
- Stage Craft (15%)
- Gold award: 85-100%
- Silver award: 65-84%
- Bronze award: 45-64%
- Emerging award: 44% or less
All information is to be provided by this time.
We will keep you up to date by newsletter and via the National Youth Jazz Competition Facebook page.
If you have any queries, feel free to contact us.
Kind regards
Liam Ryan
Director National Youth Jazz Competition
Liam Mobile: 021 042 1322 or Mandy 0274 533 425
www.facebook.com/NationalYouthJazzCompetition
Registration Fee:
Your registration fee will provide you with access to a programme specifically designed for National Youth Jazz Competition competitors.
Registration fee is $25.00 per person for participating students, stagehands, Big Band Leaders and accompanying staff.
The Tuesday evening concert is ticketed. There is a reduced ticket price for registered students and teachers of $15.
We will email an invoice to you upon receipt of the completed registration form. This will confirm your registration. We appreciate your early payment. All fees must be paid by 20 March 2026.
Refund Policy:
National Youth Jazz Competition is not responsible for cancellations or the inability of a school to travel due to weather, threat of terrorism, act of God and other events beyond National Youth Jazz Competition control.
If you wish to withdraw your registration prior to the event you will need to notify the National Youth Jazz Competition Director in writing by the registration closing date of 27 February 2026. There will be no refunds after this date. Please note that refunds may be subject to a $50 processing fee.
Change to Events Policy:
The National Youth Jazz Competition reserve the right to alter the venues, times, or event programming whenever it sees fit. Every attempt will be made to notify any changes to an affected competitor via email and all such changes will be placed on the website and the National Youth Jazz Competition Facebook page.