NYWE FAQs

Basics

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.

When and Where does the NYWE take place?
When: June 9-14, 2026
Where: Washington D.C.

Who is conducting the 2026 NYWE?
Guest conductors for the 2026 program: 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 Texas Music Educators Association.

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 me to participate?

• 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!
• 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.

 

 

Eligibility

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) is required for each instrument.
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 September 1, 2025 deadline?
No. Materials will not be accepted after 11:59 p.m. CST on September 1, 2025.