Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band

Auditions are now open for the ’25/’26 Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band! Are you a Santa Cruz County/Monterey Bay Area high school student interested in participating in the Honor Band? If so, please follow the steps below – thank you!

Step 1: Complete this online application form.
Step 2: Receive your audition packet via email.
Step 3: Submit your video audition by September 8th.
Step 4: Await details for your live audition, and/or audition results.

The Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band showcases some of the most talented student musicians from Santa Cruz County and the Central Coast region. During weekly rehearsals, the band studies advanced jazz theory, arranging, and improvisation, all while learning valuable life skills in teamwork and critical thinking. Band-members gain vital experience performing together, culminating in a special headline performance at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center.

The Honor Band is directed by David McGillicuddy, a graduate of Aptos High, Cabrillo College, and UCSC. He has been teaching music since 1997 and his jazz guitar YouTube lessons have garnered nearly a quarter-million views. A longtime member of the Kuumbwa community, he attended his first Kuumbwa show in 1985 and has been volunteering since 1988.

To book the Honor Band for a concert or private event, or for more information about the program, please contact Brian Fitzgerald.