Apply now!
Every two years, the line-up of the Federal Jazz Orchestra and the vocal ensemble changes. Instrumentalists and singers now have the opportunity to apply for the next Bujazzo Generation 2027/28 until 3 November 2026.
Auditions will take place from 6 to 8 January 2027 at the Cologne University of Music and Dance.
The application process for the Bundesjazzorchester is a two-stage process. Applications are made via an online application form, which includes a video upload. After reviewing and assessing the applications, the selection panel will then invite candidates to an audition.
Applications for the Bundesjazzorchester are now open and will close on 3 November 2026 (08:00).
Here you will find the application form, including the video upload. Before you fill it in, please read through the instructions for uploading the video.
YOU ARE APPLYING AS AN INSTRUMENTALIST:
Please submit a total of two to three simple mobile phone videos:
1. At least one simple mobile phone video in which we can hear you as a soloist – on your own and/or with accompanying instrument(s) and/or with a band – without an audience and without any commentary (maximum 5 minutes in total).
2. A simple mobile phone video featuring a piece from the WDR Big Band Play Along app
(The WDR Big Band Play Along app allows you to play along with the WDR Big Band, mute individual parts, and is available free of charge. Please choose a track from the ‘Professional Level’ category. The specific part you are playing should be muted, whilst the other parts should be audible in the video.)
You may also submit an additional video as per point 1 (making a maximum of three videos in total).
The video and the sound of your instrument must be recorded on the same mobile phone. The videos do not need to have perfect audio quality! All videos must be unedited and uncut (no studio recordings or concert recordings). Upload each video individually to a video platform of your choice (e.g. YouTube or Vimeo, unlisted if possible) and enter a separate URL link for each video. The videos must be directly accessible without a password or the need to log in.
YOU ARE APPLYING AS A SINGER:
Please submit a total of two to three simple mobile phone videos:
Two or three simple mobile phone videos in which we can hear you as a soloist – on your own and/or with accompanying instrument(s) and/or with a band – without an audience and without any commentary (maximum 10 minutes in total).
The video and your singing must be recorded on the same mobile phone. The videos do not need to have perfect audio quality! All videos must be unedited and uncut (no studio recordings or concert recordings). Upload each video individually to a video platform of your choice (e.g. YouTube or Vimeo, unlisted if possible) and provide a separate URL link for each video. The videos must be directly accessible without a password or the need to log in.
Jazz-loving musicians who live in Germany or are German citizens living abroad can apply for the Bujazzo.
The maximum age in the Bundesjazzorchester is 24 years for instrumentalists and 26 years for singers. Applications for the 2027 audition are therefore possible up to the age of 22 (for singers up to the age of 24). The deadline is the day of the audition.
You can find all the details for membership of the Bundesjazzorchester in the call for applications.
The terms and conditions of participation Teilnahmebedingungen in the Federal Jazz Orchestra set out important organisational and programme-related rules for rehearsals, concerts and joint projects.
For further questions or other concerns, please contact the Bundesjazzorchester team:
Ariane Simons, Tel. 0228 2091-121, simons@musikrat.de