Auditioning for PEN Ensembles

The PEN 11

If you’re a young musician in the GTA that loves to play jazz look no further.  Be part of the The PEN 11, a high-caliber high school jazz ensemble of students from around the GTA.

• Musical Level: Intermediate to Advanced
• Eligibility:  You must be in grades 9-12
• Earn high school arts credits:  Students are eligible to earn high school arts credits with the participation of this ensemble.  Read more…
• The 2025/2026 schedule: Workshop days/times;   Sundays 2pm-4pm (TBC)
• Competitions/Festivals:  This ensemble will participate in up to 6 music festivals or competitions throughout the year culminating at MusicFest Canada (National Competition).
• Showcase Performances:  This ensemble will be booked for multiple showcase performances throughout the year at local and international jazz clubs and festivals.

Instrumentation: 

• Trumpet/Flugelhorn (2 players req’d)
• Trombone
• Bass Trombone
• Alto Sax
• Tenor Sax
• Bari Sax
• Piano
• Guitar
• Bass
• Drums

PEN Senior Chamber Ensemble

If you love performing classical music, come join The PEN Chamber Ensemble and play with young musicians that share your love of music.

• Repertoire: Intermediate to advanced repertoire for school level ensembles.
• Eligibility:  Grades 7 – 12 and RCM level 6+ on your instrument.
• Earn high school arts credits:  Students in grades 8-12 are eligible to earn high school arts credits with the participation of this ensemble. Read more…
• The 2025/2026 schedule: Workshop days/times;   Wednesdays 7:00pm-9:00pm.
• Competitions/Festivals:  This ensemble will participate in up to 6 music festivals or competitions throughout the year culminating at MusicFest Canada (National Competition).
• Showcase Performances:  This ensemble will be booked for multiple showcase performances throughout the year and various cultural events.

Instrumentation: 

• • Piccolo
  • Flute
  • Alto Flute
  • Clarinet
  • Bass Clarinet
  • Oboe / English Horn
  • Bassoon
  • Alto Sax
  • Tenor Sax
  • Bari Sax
  • French Horn
  • Baritone/Euphonium
  • Trombone
  • Bass Trombone
  • Tuba
  • Percussion

What You Need to Know to Audition

Register for your audition: 

• Fee $25 (non-refundable)
• Audition Dates:
  • Friday June 13 4pm-9pm
  • Saturday June 14, 10am-3pm
  • Sunday June 15, 10am-1pm

Classical Auditions

• Repertoire: 1 repertoire or etude of your choice at RCM Level 6 or above
• Eligibility:  You must be in grades 7-12
• Sight reading: Provided by the adjudicator
• Playback: We will be asked to listen to a melody and play it back
• Ear training: You will be asked some rudimentary ear training questions
• Self-introduction: Let us hear your story and why you want to join this ensemble.

Jazz Auditions:  Musical Level: Intermediate to advanced

• Eligibility:  You must be in grades 9-12
• Jazz Standard: Play a jazz standard of your choice.  Play the melody and take an improvised solo. (only 2-3x through the form)
• Sight reading: Provided by the adjudicator
• Ear Training:  You will be asked some rudimentary ear training questions
• Playback: We will be asked to listen to a melody and play it back
• Short Introduction interview: Let us hear your story of why you want to join this band
• Details for Jazz
  • Sax players:  If you play flute or clarinet – please demonstrate your abilities on these instruments.
  • Pianists and guitarists play melodies and 1 chorus solo and demonstrate comping skills
  • Bassists indicate if you play both upright and electric.  Demonstrate your walking and soloing.
  • Drummers will be asked to demonstrate all or some of the following
    • Swing, Ballad tempo with brushes, medium swing and an up tempo swing approx. 220bpm
    • Other Styles: Funk, Bossa Nova, Samba, Afro-Cuban
    • Demonstrate time signatures in 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, 5/4 and 7/4 in various styles

If you have additional questions feel free to email care@pen-international.com for more information