LA Youth Jazz Coalition

Established in 2024, the Los Angeles Youth Jazz Coalition was created to support Los Angeles area band directors and their programs as well as provide opportunities for high school students across Los Angeles to develop skills in instrumental jazz performance. Housed at Glendale Community College, LAYJC is inclusive of all Los Angeles County School districts. LAYJC will have both large and small ensemble classes to develop young musicians in various styles and approaches to America's unique and living art form, jazz.

The LA Jazz Coalition is a tuition free ensemble. In order to qualify for enrollment, you must be of middle or high school age and be in your school's band or music program if there is one offered. Home school students are exempt from the school band requirement. If a musician is accepted into the LAJC they must enroll with Glendale College as a dual enrollment student. Questions about enrollment may be directed to Dr. Paul Sherman at psherman@glendale.edu

Applications are taken on a first come, first served basis.

Students should apply to GCC through the High School Application Page

After you have applied to GCC and register for class number MUSIC 143 - Ticket 3471

Questions about registration may be directed to Dr. Paul Sherman. psherman@glendale.edu or 818-240-1000 ext. 5621

Glen Marhevka

Glen grew up in Valencia, CA where he attended Wm. S. Hart High School. He was mentored by George Stone, Dirk Fischer and Larry Thornton. After graduating from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor's degree in trumpet Performance and working as a freelance musician he became a member of the Grammy nominated band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy of which he has been the featured trumpet soloist for over 25 years.

Chris Rios

Chris Rios was born and raised in National City, a sub city of San Diego. He received a B.A. in jazz piano performance from the University of California San Diego under the direction of two time Grammy winner Kamau Kenyatta. In 2015, he received an M.M. in Afro-Latin drum set and percussion performance from California State University Los Angeles. Chris has performed in a multitude of professional settings and has worked and studied with such musicians as Alex Acuña, Otmaro Ruiz, Joey Heredia, Chris Coleman, Oscar Hernandez, Calixto Olviedo, Bernie Dresel, and Alphonse Mouzon. He continues to teach and perform in both the Los Angeles and San Diego areas and looks forward to continue working together with the Glendale Community College students and faculty.

The admissions process consists of filling out the submission form. There will be a brief placement audition on the first day of rehearsal starting at 3pm during the parent information meeting. Everyone should be prepared to play a Major scale of their choice one octave. All musicians should be prepared to play a short excerpt from any jazz band arrangement of their choice. We will also ask you to sight read a short excerpt during the audition.  If for some reason you are unable to make the first days audition or rehearsal but will still like to be considered for the LA Youth Jazz Coalition please email me and we can make arrangements. gmarhevka@glendale.edu

 Students should apply to GCC through the High School Application Page

After you have applied to GCC and register for class number MUSIC 143 - Ticket 3471

Questions about registration may be directed to Dr. Paul Sherman. psherman@glendale.edu or 818-240-1000 ext. 5621

• Submissions for YJC are now being accepted
• Rehearsals for Spring 2026 semester will start on February 15th 2026
• Rehearsals will be on Sunday evenings from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Info will be sent out soon after application process is closed.

LA YOUTH JAZZ COALITION
SUBMISSION FORM

Coastin part 1 1.pdf

Coastin Rhythm parts 1.pdf