Name: 2026-National Youth Wind Ensemble Application
Start: 2026-06-09
End: 2026-06-14
Location: Washington, DC, USA

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The National Youth Wind Ensemble (NYWE) is excited to announce its second season in 2026. Following a comprehensive audition process, the NYWE will consist of the nation’s premier wind, brass, and percussion student musicians. These incredible musicians will spend a week in the nation’s capital, with daily rehearsals led by the 2026 guest conductors Lieutenant Colonel Ryan J. Nowlin,  Director of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band; Jerry Junkin, Director of Bands at The University of Texas at Austin; and Kerry Taylor, Past President of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and the Texas Music Educators Association. The NYWE experience will include daily coaching, mentorship, masterclasses, and rehearsals with professional musicians from the Washington, D.C. area. Participants will also enjoy a tour of national monuments and military barracks, attend performances by military bands at the Capitol, and take part in social and recreational activities around Washington, D.C. A highlight of the week will be attending the 2026 Twilight Tattoo Event—an action-packed military performance! The week will culminate in a performance in the historic Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., on June 13, 2026.The NYWE is made possible by the Global Initiative for Talented Students (G.I.F.T.S.), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing talented students in academia, the arts, and athletics with opportunities to study or expand an area of interest, and by Perform America-TX, LLC, a company that specializes in performance-based tours for groups of all ages run by former music directors and educators.  All travel arrangements will be organized through Perform America - TX, LLC.For more information, please visit http://giftsmovement.org/nywe and/or http://perform-america-tx.com.

Washington, DC, USA

2026-National Youth Wind Ensemble Application

Perform America - TX, LLC

2026-National Youth Wind Ensemble Application in Washington, DC, USA

The National Youth Wind Ensemble (NYWE) is excited to announce its second season in 2026. Following a comprehensive audition process, the NYWE will consist of the nation’s premier wind, brass, and percussion student musicians. These incredible musicians will spend a week in the nation’s capital, with daily rehearsals led by the 2026 guest conductors Lieutenant Colonel Ryan J. Nowlin, &nbsp;Director of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band; Jerry Junkin, Director of Bands at The University of Texas at Austin; and Kerry Taylor, Past President of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and the Texas Music Educators Association. The NYWE experience will include daily coaching, mentorship, masterclasses, and rehearsals with professional musicians from the Washington, D.C. area. Participants will also enjoy a tour of national monuments and military barracks, attend performances by military bands at the Capitol, and take part in social and recreational activities around Washington, D.C. A highlight of the week will be attending the 2026 Twilight Tattoo Event—an action-packed military performance! The week will culminate in a performance in the historic Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., on June 13, 2026. The NYWE is made possible by the Global Initiative for Talented Students (G.I.F.T.S.), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing talented students in academia, the arts, and athletics with opportunities to study or expand an area of interest, and by Perform America-TX, LLC, a company that specializes in performance-based tours for groups of all ages run by former music directors and educators. &nbsp;All travel arrangements will be organized through Perform America - TX, LLC. For more information, please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://giftsmovement.org/nywe">http://giftsmovement.org/nywe</a> and/or <a target="_blank" href="http://perform-america-tx.com">http://perform-america-tx.com</a>.

The National Youth Wind Ensemble (NYWE) invites wind, brass, and percussion student musicians from across the country, ages 16-19, to participate in its second season in 2026! How do I apply?To apply, a non-refundable audition/application fee of $60 must be paid through a payment portal called WeTravel. You must create a WeTravel account if you don’t have one already. Once the fee has been paid, the applicant will receive an email with a link to a Jotform. Through Jotform, the applicant will submit all audition requirements of the application for the NYWE. We recommend that you allow adequate time to record, upload, and review your materials to be certain that your application is indicative of your musical and personal achievements prior to the December 1st deadline. What is the National Youth Wind Ensemble?The NYWE is a program for wind, brass, and percussion student musicians, ages 16-19, created by the Global Initiative for Talented Students and by Perform America-TX, LLC. &nbsp;Student musicians are chosen to come together for a week of music-making and mentorship from premier musicians and conductors in the nation’s capital.&nbsp; When and Where does the NYWE take place?When: June 9-14, 2026 &nbsp;Where: Washington, D.C Who is conducting the 2026 NYWE?Guest conductors for the 2026 program include Lieutenant Colonel Ryan J. Nowlin, &nbsp;Director of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band; Jerry Junkin, Director of Bands at The University of Texas at Austin; and Kerry Taylor, Past President of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and the Texas Music Educators Association. Who are the members of the faculty for the 2026 NYWE?Musical preparation will be done by the conductors of the NYWE in full ensemble rehearsals. Sectionals will be coached by top musicians from the D.C. area concert bands and master music educators from around the country. The entire education program is overseen by Kerry Taylor, Executive Director of the National Youth Wind Ensemble. Mr. Taylor comes to the NYWE with 35+ years of experience as a band director and fine arts director in the Texas Public Schools. Mr. Taylor is a Past President of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and the Texas Music Educators Association. Mr. Taylor recently retired as the Director of Bands from the highly successful Westlake High School Band in Austin, Texas. Are there any fees and/or costs to participate in 2026 NYWE?Application/Audition Fee: $60; This fee is non-refundable for all applicants. Program Cost: Estimated at $2,115.00 (at quad occupancy); If selected, this cost includes lodging, meals, masterclasses, ground transportation, monument/museum tours, and all other activities that will be listed in a sample itinerary. We are working with donors/sponsors to assist with participants' costs!&nbsp; Exclusion from Program Cost: Round-trip airfare; Participants must book their own round-trip airfare to/from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). The program will provide round-trip transportation from/to DCA. On June 9th, transportation will be provided from 10am - 3pm. On June 14th, transportation will be provided from 8am - 12pm. Flights arriving/leaving outside of this time window can utilize the hotel's airport shuttle. What else can I expect as part of my NYWE experience?The NYWE experience will include daily coaching, mentorship, masterclasses, and rehearsals with professional musicians from the Washington, D.C. area. Participants will also enjoy a tour of national monuments and military barracks, attend performances by military bands at the Capitol, and take part in social and recreational activities around Washington, D.C. A highlight of the week will be attending the 2026 Twilight Tattoo Event—an action-packed military performance! On the final day, the student musicians will showcase what they’ve learned by performing at the historic Warner Theatre.

Guidelines:

Who is eligible to participate?The NYWE is open to US citizens or permanent residents from all backgrounds between the ages of 16-19 during the summer of participation. Are there any exceptions to the age requirement?No, you must be between the ages of 16-19 during the summer of your intended participation. What instruments are eligible?NYWE will be a 55-member wind ensemble consisting of: flute/piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, harp, and piano. Based on repertoire, there may be additional positions for other instruments. Can I apply for more than one instrument?Yes, but a separate application (and application fee) &nbsp;is required for each instrument.&nbsp;Please note that auxiliary instruments (piccolo, English horn, bass clarinet, contrabassoon) do not require a separate audition. If you are proficient on one of these instruments, we recommend that you perform an additional 3-minute solo/etude in your audition video on that instrument. Can I participate in the NYWE for multiple years?Yes! You can participate as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements. Each year will require a new application and audition process.

Eligibility

- Resume: Please include a current resume that lists your personal, academic, and musical achievements, including a list of performed solo repertoire. Your resume must be submitted in PDF format. The file name should be: First letter of First name.Last name - Resume (ex: Joe Smith’s file name is J.Smith - Resume).&nbsp;- Headshot: Please include a current photo. Your headshot must be submitted in jpg, jpeg, or png format. The file name should be: First letter of First name.Last name - Headshot (ex: Joe Smith’s file name is J.Smith - Headshot).- Biographical Essay: In 500 words or less, introduce yourself, describe your musical experiences, and detail how participation in this season’s NYWE would impact your life and your community. Your essay must be submitted in PDF format. The file name should be: First letter of First name.Last name - Bio Essay (ex: Joe Smith’s file name is J.Smith - Bio Essay). - Recommendation letters: Each audition submission requires two recommendation letters. There will be a place in your submission form where you can upload these letters. Letters must be submitted in PDF format. Each file name should be: First letter of First name.Last name - Rec Letter # (ex: Joe Smith’s file name is J.Smith - Rec Letter 1 (or 2)). Recommended references would include your band directors, music teachers, private lesson instructors, and professionals who can attest to your ability, professionalism, and character as a musician. - Audition Videos: (Details Below) Audition VideosAll applicants must submit an audition video that meets the criteria and content guidelines outlined below. Each required selection should be recorded in one complete take, without any editing (though you may choose the best of several attempts), and both segments with your introduction should then be combined into a single video. Professional recording equipment is not necessary—audition videos may be recorded using smartphones. Percussionists, please refer to the video requirements for specific details. You must submit the video file in either mpg, mp4, webm, mov, flv, avi, or ogg format. &nbsp;Alternatively, you may upload your video onto a private YouTube channel and paste the link to access the video. The file name should be: First letter of First name.Last name - Audition Video (ex: Joe Smith’s file name is J.Smith - Audition Video).&nbsp; Video Requirements - Introduction: State your first and last name, instrument, hometown, school, and introduce your two recorded segments. - Two Solos/Etudes:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Solos/etudes should be of contrasting styles, such as lyrical and technical.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Each solo/etude must be no longer than 3 minutes. If a selection is longer than 3 minutes, you may submit an unedited three-minute portion from the larger selection.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- You may include a recent performance recorded in the last 12 months, but your spoken introduction must be recorded separately.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- A piece with accompaniment is strongly preferred. - Percussionists: Must submit a solo/etude for each of the following instruments, for a total of three solos/etudes -<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Snare Drum</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Keyboard instrument of choice: Marimba/Xylophone/Vibraphone</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Timpani</li></ul> Video Tips and Suggestions - Your audition video is one of the most important components of your application to the NYWE. Discuss your audition video with your music teachers to make sure that you have adequate equipment and space. &nbsp;We want to make sure that you are able to successfully record your audition.&nbsp; - Film in landscape position and consider your lighting and camera placement. Use a well-lit location that is free from possible interruptions. Place the camera so that you, your instrument, and your full range of motion are in the frame at all times. If you’re using an accompanist, we would like to see all performers at all times. It is also imperative that your face is visible at all times throughout the performance. - Test the audio so that the loudest portions of your audition are not distorted and the softest portions of your audition are still clearly audible. If possible, consider using an external microphone, which can be connected to your camera/smartphone to record. - &nbsp;In order to present the most professional recording, we ask that you not include a metronome in your submission. You can however use headphones as needed. - Prior to recording your audition video, make sure your instrument is clean and in proper playing condition. It is recommended that you have your music teacher and/or private lesson instructor examine your instrument prior to recording. - Other than stopping/starting the video between your segments (Recorded spoken introduction, Solo Excerpt 1, Solo Excerpt 2, (Solo Excerpt 3 for percussionists)), no editing of the audio or video is permitted. Applicants who display evidence of editing will be automatically disqualified.&nbsp; - Please note that auxiliary instruments (piccolo, English horn, bass clarinet, contrabassoon) do not require a separate audition. If you are proficient on one of these instruments, we recommend that you perform an additional 3-minute solo/etude in your audition video on that instrument. - There will be a section to upload the video file for submission. &nbsp;You must submit the video file in either mpg, mp4, webm, mov, flv, avi, or ogg format. &nbsp;Alternatively, you may upload your video onto a private YouTube channel and paste the link to access the video. The file name should be: First letter of First name.Last name - Audition Video (ex: Joe Smith’s file name is J.Smith - Audition Video). For questions or if you need additional assistance, please email NYWE@giftsmovement.org.

Application Upload Requirements

What is the National Youth Wind Ensemble?The NYWE is a program for wind, brass, and percussion student musicians, ages 16–19, who are selected through a comprehensive audition process to spend a week in the nation’s capital. The experience is filled with music-making and mentorship from premier musicians and conductors, exploration of Washington, D.C., and the opportunity to attend multiple military band performances. This program was made possible by the Global Initiative for Talented Students (G.I.F.T.S.), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing talented students in academia, the arts, and athletics with opportunities to study or expand an area of interest, and by Perform America - TX, LLC, a company that specializes in performance-based tours for groups of all ages run by former music directors and educators.&nbsp; When and Where does the NYWE take place?When: June 9-14, 2026 &nbsp;Where: Washington D.C. Who is conducting the 2026 NYWE?Guest conductors for the 2026 program: Lieutenant Colonel Ryan J. Nowlin, &nbsp;Director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band; Jerry Junkin, Director of Bands at The University of Texas at Austin; and Kerry Taylor, Past President of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and Texas Music Educators Association.&nbsp; What can I expect as part of my NYWE experience?The program experience will include daily coaching, mentorship, masterclasses, and rehearsals with professional musicians from the Washington, D.C. area. When not in rehearsals/masterclasses, participants will enjoy a tour of national monuments and military barracks, attend performances by military bands at the Capitol, and take part in social and recreational activities around Washington, D.C. A highlight of the week will be attending the 2026 Twilight Tattoo Event—an action-packed military performance! On the final day, the student musicians will showcase what they’ve learned by performing at the historic Warner Theatre. Are there any fees or costs to participate in NYWE 2026?<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Application/Audition Fee: $60; This fee is non-refundable for all applicants.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Program Cost: Estimated at $2,115.00 (at quad occupancy); If selected, this cost includes lodging, meals, masterclasses, ground transportation, monument/museum tours, and all other activities that will be listed in a sample itinerary. We are working with donors/sponsors to assist with participants' costs!&nbsp;</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Exclusion from Program Cost: Round-trip airfare; Participants must book their own round-trip airfare to/from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). The program will provide round-trip transportation from/to DCA. On June 9th, transportation will be provided from 10am - 3pm. On June 14th, transportation will be provided from 8am - 12pm. Flights arriving/leaving outside of this time window can utilize the Residence Inn airport shuttle.</li></ul> Who is eligible to participate?The NYWE is open to US citizens or permanent residents from all backgrounds between the ages of 16-19 during the summer of participation. Are there any exceptions to the age requirement?No, you must be between the ages of 16-19 during the summer of your intended participation. What instruments are eligible?NYWE will be a 55-piece wind ensemble consisting of: flute/piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, harp, and piano. Based on repertoire, there may be additional positions for other instruments. Can I apply on more than one instrument?Yes, but a separate application (and application fee) &nbsp;is required for each instrument.&nbsp;Please note that auxiliary instruments (piccolo, English horn, bass clarinet, contrabassoon) do not require a separate audition. If you are proficient on one of these instruments, we recommend that you perform an additional 3-minute solo/etude in your audition video on that instrument. Can I participate in the NYWE for multiple years?Yes, you can participate as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements. Each year will require a new application and audition process. My excerpts are longer than three-minutes each, is this okay?Due to a large number of applications, our panel dedicates serious time and careful consideration to each audition and cannot accept videos that are longer than 8 minutes in total (3 minutes per excerpt and 2 minutes for introduction/spoken text). Do all of my references need to be musicians?No; however, we recommend that your references know your experience and abilities as a musician. My video recordings are not professionally recorded – will this affect my chances?No. As long as you meet the video guidelines and we can accurately listen and evaluate your performance, it is our goal that this program be accessible to all who apply. Can I submit materials after the October 1, 2025 deadline?No. Materials will not be accepted after 11:59 p.m. CST on December 1, 2025.

Where will my student be staying?The hotel name and location will be shared once the ensemble personnel have been announced.&nbsp; Can I stay at the same hotel as my student?If your student is selected, you will then be able to contact the hotel and book a room for your family. This is subject to their availability at that time. All NYWE members will be placed in a room at quad occupancy.&nbsp; Can I take my student on a separate excursion outside of what the NYWE offers?&nbsp;All NYWE members must remain with the ensemble for the duration of the scheduled itinerary. The safety and well-being of your student is the number one priority of the NYWE staff. As a result, we have a strict attendance policy for all our members. &nbsp;If you would like to arrive a few days before or after the event to explore the city as a family, you are welcome to do so!&nbsp; Where will the concert take place?&nbsp;The week will culminate in a performance in the historic Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., on June 13, 2026. &nbsp;Tickets will be released to the public once the ensemble is announced. &nbsp; Address: Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Parent/Audience Information

This application fee is separate from the NYWE trip cost and is non-refundable.&nbsp;

Application Price

2026-National Youth Wind Ensemble Application

2026-National Youth Wind Ensemble Application

About this trip

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Eligibility

Application Upload Requirements

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Parent/Audience Information

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