Friday, May 15
Legacy & Advanced Combos
Featuring a Guest
Burlingame Space
7-9pm
Friday, May 22
Gen Combo and Medler Sextet
Burlingame Space
Two Sets: 6:45 and 8:15pm
Friday, June 5
Legacy Combo with Medler Mode
Burlingame Space
7-9pm
Saturday, June 6
BSpace Advanced Combo with Guest Band
Burlingame Space
7-9pm
Monday, June 8
Spring Session Concert with:
The New Cats, Gen Big Band, Vanguard Big Band, Gen Combo
Alberta Rose Theatre
7pm
Spring Session
- 2026
- 2026
Weekly Classes at Burlingame Space
Classes start the week of 4/6/2026
New Cats Big Band
Wednesdays 7:30-9pm
Apr 8 - June 3
Concert: Monday, June 8 Alberta Rose Theatre 7pm
General Combo
Mondays 5:30-7pm
Apr 6 - June 1
Concerts: Friday, May 22 BSpace 2 shows 6:45 & 8:15pm and Monday, June 8 Alberta Rose Theatre 7pm
General Level Big Band
Thursdays 7:30-9pm
Apr 9 - June 4
Concert: Monday, June 8 Alberta Rose Theatre 7pm
Legacy Combo
Tuesdays 5:45-7:15pm
Apr 7 - June 2
Concerts: Friday, May 15 BSpace 7pm and Friday, June 5 BSpace 7pm
PYJO Advanced Combo
Mondays 7:30-9pm
Apr 6 - June 1
Concerts: Friday, May 15 BSpace 7pm and Saturday, June 6 BSpace 7pm
Vanguard Big Band
Tuesdays 7:30-9pm
Apr 7 - June 2
Concerts: Sunday, May 31 Oaks Park 12:30pm and Monday, June 8 Alberta Rose Theatre 7pm,
*Not confirmed-Sun Jun 28 11am -ish - extra rehearsals may be added if this comes through
Summer Session
New Cats Summer (Intermediate)
Wednesdays 7:30-9pm
Jun 24 - Aug 12
Jazz Improv Bootcamp (Intermediate and Beyond)
Tuesdays 5:30-7pm
Jun 23 - Aug 11 (1/2 session is 4 classes-weeks of your choice)
Advanced Improv Concepts (Advanced to Professional)
PYJO alumni are encouraged to join
Tuesdays 5:30-7pm
Jun 23 - Aug 11
New Cats Level
The level of this class is intermediate. Students of all ages with knowledge of scales and intermediate music reading skills are welcome. A great place for those new to the PYJO program or with little experience in Jazz and improvisation. We are always excited to add new musicians to the program. Students often spend 1-2 years in this class as they build their Jazz vocabulary skills.
If you are unsure which level, simply check in by email to determine New Cats vs General. If you want to learn, we want you to participate!
General Level
The general level classes are intermediate to advanced. Students of all ages with memorized scales and strong music reading skills are welcome.The General Big Band needs to have strong readers so that we have time to work on improvisation and written music. The General Combo is better for those who play well by ear and are working on their reading skills. Experienced musicians who have taken a break and are looking to get back into playing will also be a good fit. We are always excited to add new musicians to the program. If you are new to us, and unsure which level, simply check in by email to determine which class is best.*Please note that the General level classes require instructor approval or audition.
Legacy & Advanced Combos
These top level combos are advanced and open to all ages (typically upper high school to adult). Legacy Combo students should expect a deep study of solo transcriptions, vocabulary in 12 keys and advanced improvisation concepts. The advanced combo is typically at the professional level comprised of mainly adult students who are expected to be able to sightread charts and chord changes and work quickly through material. Placement or audition required. Please contact us if you are interested.
Vanguard Level
PYJO Vanguard members are a mixture of PYJO alumni, professionals, band directors, college students. The music is on a pro level, solo concepts are advanced and presented quickly, strong sightreading skills required.
Self-Paced Video Learning
You can also sign up for Self-Paced Video Learning. Topics such as tune learning skills, improvisation concepts, theory topics, groove etc will be included. via archives from our spring and summer classes. Students can pick level appropriate challenges and work at their own pace. Questions can be emailed in.
New Students
LEARN to PLAY it, HEAR it, TEACH it!
Returning Students
Easy Registration here!!
Beyond just musicians, PYJO alumni have branched out to many fields in music: College music professors, ethnomusicologists, radio hosts, band directors, private music instructors, touring musicians, L.A. studio musicians, composers, arrangers, booking agents, software developers, bandleaders, studio engineers & more. Not to mention the doctors, rocket scientists & others who still play music to relax!
"Ben, I wanted to let you know that Noah is doing great at UW(ashington). He has so much confidence performing thanks to you and Michelle. You really changed his life and we are all very grateful." Lissa K.-PYJO Parent
Links to Videos and mp3 of PYJO bands, summer bands, combos etc.
Concerts, Rehearsals, Lessons, Recitals & Meeting Space. Rental Available!
Click here for current concert info.
All Levels - Beginners to Professionals!
Founded The Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2001.
