April 2026 – Spots are opening up again in the jongNBE! On Saturday, June 6, auditions will be held for horn, trombone, saxophone, double bass/bass guitar, and drums/percussion.
The jongNBE (youngNBE) is an ensemble of ten talented musicians who are studying at a Dutch conservatory or have recently graduated. Over a period of two years, they perform together in jongNBE and are coached by experienced musicians from the Nederlands Blazers Ensemble.
Playing in jongNBE offers young musicians valuable experience in ensemble playing, programming, and performing. In addition, there is individual focus on learning areas such as arranging, education, production, etc. Moreover, jongNBE serves as a breeding ground for future talent within the NBE.
The selection
From previous years, it has become clear that we receive too many applications to see everyone in a single audition day. Therefore, we are required to make a pre-selection. This will be based on your motivation and a short video in which you can be heard performing solo. Make sure the video is no older than one year.
The selection will be made by several musicians from the NBE, led by artistic director Brandt Attema. You will hear by May 11 at the latest whether you are invited to the audition.
There are a number of dates next season on which your availability is required. More information will follow after your registration.
The audition
During the audition, you will play various pieces together with other candidates. Two of these pieces will be sent to you by May 11 at the latest. The remaining pieces will be provided on the audition day itself. In addition, everyone performs a solo piece of their own choice (without accompaniment) and introduces it with some engaging information. This introduction and performance together may not exceed 2 minutes.
The jury consists of: Brandt Attema, Janneke Groesz, Bas Duister, Malika Maminova and Felix Lashmar.
The audition day will be divided into two sessions. You will be assigned to one of them, so please keep the entire day free. If you have any availability issues for one of the sessions, please contact Richard Wanders (rw@nbe.nl) immediately upon registration.
AUDITION: June 6, 2025
TIME: 09:30–17:30
LOCATION: Amsterdam
You can apply until Friday May 1 2026.