AYMA offers students opportunities to develop their musical gifts, build community and forge the next generation of Adventist music leadership.
In the United States, Solo & Ensemble and All-State ensembles exist in public school music education, providing opportunities for inspiration, development and exploration of God-given musical talents. Students attending Adventist academies do not have easy access to these programs, and Adventist students attending public schools or home school networks open face Sabbath conflicts. The AYMA Ensemble Experience is designed for all Seventh-day Adventist youth in grades 9 through 12, regardless of education format. Next summer, AYMA will provide an opportunity for eligible students to participate in a unique ensemble experience.
The Invitational AYMA Ensemble Experience is for students grades 9-12 held from July 9-18, 2026 at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich. Please apply by October 30, 2025. Solo video submissions will be accepted thru November 9, 2025. Students will submit solo performance videos for adjudication and feedback.
Students will be selected to participate in the stage two invitational based on the criteria noted here.
Stage One: Solo Adjudication
Music Video Guidelines:
Recording and Accompaniment Guidelines:
Feedback: Adjudication and scoring is based on the following categories:
Tone (beauty and control of sound)
Intonation (accuracy of pitch in relationship to the melody line and harmonic structure)
Rhythm (precision of note duration, meter, and accents)
Technique (this is unique to each instrument, but includes things such as articulation, bowing choice, breath control, diction, etc.)
Interpretation (overall expression, phrasing, tempo, and dynamics)
Scoring results and feedback will be released on November 24, 2025
Stage Two: Ensemble Auditions Students earning a high score in the stage one adjudication will be invited to audition for placement in the AYMA Ensemble Experience (summer camp). In this stage, students submit videos of assigned excerpts from the repertoire to be performed. Detailed information for Stage Two: Ensemble Auditions will be provided via the adjudication website to those students who qualify.
Stage Three: AYMA Invitational Ensemble Experience, July 9-18, 2026 at Andrews University
Students will engage in worship/discipleship, group lessons, masterclasses, musician health and wellness seminars, ensemble rehearsals and more. The week will include multiple performance opportunities including a capstone performance!
For more information, please visit andrews.edu/music/ayma.