Join the Band
Five programs. Seven bands. More than 200 performances each year. YMU Jazz Collective is auditioning now. All other bands hold auditions May–July 2027.
Five programs. Seven bands. More than 200 performances each year. All bands hold auditions May–July 2027. Join the interest list and start preparing today.
Rolling Auditions
YMU Jazz Collective
Visit PageYMU Jazz Collective is one of Young Musicians Unite's premier audition-based ensembles, focused on advanced musicianship, improvisation, ensemble performance, and modern jazz repertoire.
Audition NowAuditions Opening May–July 2027
Auditions for these bands are currently closed. Click a flyer to see what each band is looking for and how to prepare, then join our interest list. We'll contact you as soon as auditions open.
Join the Interest ListStudent Ambassador Program
A high-level leadership and performance program for high intermediate to advanced musicians, training directly under YMU CEO Sammy Gonzalez. Ambassadors perform across Miami, mentor younger musicians, and help expand free music education in Miami-Dade. Rehearsals: Sundays at Wynwood School of Music.
How to PrepareChoose ONE song and record yourself performing it in full:
- "Welcome to the Jungle" – Guns N' Roses
- "Crazy on You" – Heart
- "Hysteria" – Muse
- "Tom Sawyer" – Rush
- "All These Things That I've Done" – The Killers
- Bass: major and minor scales to a metronome, I–IV–V grooves.
- Guitar/Keys: major and minor scales to a metronome; major, minor, major 7, minor 7, and dominant 7 chords.
- Drums: different grooves to a metronome.
- Vocals: harmonies in 3rds and 5ths.
Miami Beach Rock Ensemble
Founded in 1972, the first high school rock ensemble in the nation. A student ensemble that runs like a professional touring group, from lead vocalists and instrumentalists to sound engineers and stage crew. Open to grades 9–12. Rehearsals: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:30–5:30 PM at Miami Beach Senior High School (Room 316).
How to PrepareChoose ONE song:
- "Roundabout" – Yes
- "Any Way You Want It" – Journey
- "Immigrant Song" – Led Zeppelin
- "Somebody to Love" – Queen
- "Magic Man" – Heart
Each instrument also has its own requirements (chords, scales, grooves, and harmonies). Stage crew applicants complete a short interview and hands-on demo instead of a musical audition. See the full audition requirements for details.
Miami Beach Fusion
A high-energy, intermediate-level band performing funk, pop, rock, and '70s disco, with 30+ performances each year. Led by A.J. Hill of Spam Allstars. Rehearsals: Mondays & Wednesdays, 2:30–5:30 PM at Miami Beach Senior High School (Room 316).
We're looking for: Vocalists, horn players, guitarists, bassists, drummers, keyboardists, percussionists, and sound/tech.
How to PreparePrepare ONE song. Auditions are evaluated on musical nuance, feel, and stage presence.
- "Don't Let Go (Love)" – En Vogue
- "You Got the Love" – Rufus and Chaka Khan
- "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" – Gladys Knight & the Pips
- "Watching the Detectives" – Elvis Costello
- "Rise" – Bad Brains
- "School Boy Crush"
- "Fantasy" – Earth, Wind & Fire
- "Tempted" – Squeeze
- "Big Time" – Peter Gabriel
Lounge Band
YMU's lounge and pop ensemble. Rehearsals: Sundays at Wynwood School of Music.
How to PrepareRecord yourself performing 2 songs from this list:
- "Isn't She Lovely" – Stevie Wonder
- "Smooth Operator" – Sade
- "Valerie" – Amy Winehouse
- "Spooky" – Dusty Springfield
Recording tips: Play the whole song. Perform standing up. Vocalists, sing along to a karaoke (no-vocals) track. Guitarists, pick rhythm or lead; you don't need to play the solo.
4Tune
YMU's only student-run band, performing everything from jazz fusion to Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Amy Winehouse, and Sade all over Miami-Dade. For players about 15–18 years old who can practice at least once a week and perform 2–3 times a month.
How to PrepareChoose ONE song for your instrument from the audition requirements and record yourself playing along, showing your timing, creativity, and tone. You don't need to be perfect; we want to see that you can listen, groove, and engage with the music.
YMU Jazz Collective
One of YMU's premier audition-based ensembles, focused on advanced musicianship, improvisation, ensemble performance, and modern jazz repertoire. Rehearsals: Monday nights at Wynwood School of Music.
How to PrepareRecord yourself playing 2 songs, one from each category:
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1. Repertoire
- Vocalists: "No More" – Jazzmeia Horn, or "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" – Cécile McLorin Salvant
- Instrumentalists: "Sweet Nasty" – Joshua Redman Elastic Band, or "What About Me?" – Snarky Puppy
- Drummers: "Double Jeopardy" – Joshua Redman Elastic Band, or "Mean Green" – Snarky Puppy
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2. Blues / Odd Time
- Vocalists and instrumentalists: Any 12-bar blues head over a Blues in F or B♭ backing track. Play or sing the melody, then improvise for at least two choruses.
- Drummers: "Sweet Nasty" – Joshua Redman Elastic Band, or "What About Me?" – Snarky Puppy
After-School Programs
Free after-school music programs at schools across Miami-Dade. Click the flyer to enroll.
Young Men's Preparatory Academy•Dr. Henry Mack / West Little River K-8•Miami Beach Senior High School•Miami Beach Nautilus Middle School•Miami Beach Fienberg Fisher K-8•Coral Gables Senior High School•Carol City Middle School
Enroll NowLargest Provider of Free Music Education in Miami
- Perform at iconic venues like the Miami Beach Bandshell, Kaseya Center, and Mana Wynwood
- Build your college portfolio with expert guidance and mentorship
- Get hands-on experience in performance, production, and the music industry
- Lead and mentor younger students while earning community service hours
- Boost your resume with real-world skills in teamwork, leadership, and creativity
200+ Shows a Year. One Chance to Join.
Real Students.
Real Shows.
Real Experience.
