THE BIX YOUTH BAND
The Bix Youth Band is an audition-only youth jazz band comprised of middle and high school students from around the Quad Cities region. The band spreads the music of Bix Beiderbecke and other early 20th century artists and furthers jazz education in the Quad Cities.
Through their participation in the band, each student receives scholarship funds to further their education.
SUPPORT THE YOUTH BAND
You can direct your gift to support the Bix Youth Band! Your gift funds the scholarship awards awarded to each member upon completion of their program year.
To designate your gift to the Youth Band, select “Bix Youth Band Only” on the donation form, or click here to learn how to donate by check.
Click here to make a gift in support of the Youth Band:
2026 BIX YOUTH BAND AUDITIONS
Auditions will be held in December.
To schedule an audition, email bix@commonchordqc.org to express your interest and include your phone number. The Youth Band director (Steve Little) will contact you to schedule your audition time.
Eligibility:
Must be in 8th-12th grade during this current school year.
Audition Components:
Auditioning students should be prepared to play scales. You will also be asked to do some sight reading. Jazz improvisation ability is a big plus.
Rehearsal Schedule:
The band rehearses on the following schedule:
January through May: Every other week on Sunday afternoons.
June and July: Every Sunday afternoon.
Performance Schedule:
Band members need to be available to perform at the Bix Jazz Festival: July 30 – August 1, 2026.
Other performance opportunities may be offered during the course of the year.
Scholarship Information:
Each band member who participates in the band for the full year will receive scholarship funds. The scholarship amount is based on school year. Additional details will be provided when you schedule your audition time.
SPECIAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY…
