A close-up of a person's hand playing a shiny silver saxophone, with the keys and mouthpiece visible.

Atlanta Youth Saxophone Ensemble

Logo for Atlanta Youth Saxophone Ensemble, featuring a saxophone with musical notes.

Formerly known at the North Georgia Saxophone Ensemble, the Atlanta Youth Saxophone Ensemble (AYSE) is a saxophone ensemble comprised of high school saxophonists from the Metro Atlanta area.

AYSE aims to provide young Atlanta-area saxophonists with top-level instruction and unique musical opportunities at no cost. We aim to increase access to high-quality music education through eliminating financial barriers and connecting like-minded young saxophonists in the metro area.

Mission

AYSE operates for 10 weeks in the Spring semester. Students chosen for AYSE rehearse weekly on Sundays at Stephenson High School. Our repertoire consists of large ensemble music for soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. Rehearsals culminate in a final concert.

What We Do

  1. Students participating in AYSE get free instruction from professional saxophonists and area music educators.

  2. Motivated young saxophonists can network and build lasting relationships with other area musicians.

  3. Students can build skills as players outside of their traditional band classes.

  4. The repertoire is unique, challenging, and fun!

Why AYSE?

How do I Sign Up?

Applications are closed for the 2025 season. Applications for Spring 2026 will open on December 1, 2025.

The application consists of applicant information and a short essay component. No audition is required for acceptance into the ensemble.

Young woman with glasses and brown hair, wearing a tan jacket, playing a gold saxophone against a plain gray background.

Dr. Lindsey Welp, co-director

Young man in black suit holding a gold alto saxophone, sitting on a ledge with a stone wall behind him.

Dr. Dan Phipps, co-director