The 2025 all-VA Jazz Ensemble auditions took place on Oct. 3rd-5th. The auditions were submitted online and held in conjunction with the Virginia Music Educators Conference in Norfolk, Virginia.

Junior Calvin Clark was one of the highschool students who made the jazz ensemble.

“All state jazz is for the top highschool jazz musicians in the whole state of virginia and its a three day event where we rehearse for the concert on the final day and we also eat a lot of food,” Clark said.

Making it into all-VA Jazz Ensemble is difficult to get into because of the rigorous audition process that requires lots of preparation.

“Starting in the summer I would practice the trumpet everyday for like an hour and a half and I’d practice my scales and improvisation,” Clark said.

Clark also started taking trumpet lessons to get even better.

“I’ve been taking lessons for the trumpet for the last few months and thats been helping me stay driven and always have a new goal for the next lesson,” Clark said.

When Clark found out he had made the Jazz Ensemble, he was pleasantly surprised. 

“I was very happy and extra motivated to get a higher chair next year when I found out I made it,” Clark said.

The all-VA Jazz ensemble will take place in the fall, which was announced by the Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors’ Association. This event features high-school musicians and includes sectionals, masterclasses, and workshops.