These annual auditions, which took place from February 27 to March 6, invited nearly 2,000 talented musicians to audition on campus and virtually. MSM hosted several activities through Manny’s Bodega, our on-campus hub where auditionees and their families could congregate, enjoy complimentary snacks, attend faculty presentations, take campus tours, and learn more about MSM’s community of student musicians!
We’ve tallied it up, and here’s what this year’s auditions looked like by the numbers!
MSM mascot Manny the Polar Bear posing alongside an excited applicant
Dean of Jazz Arts, Jim Saltzman, discussing the School with interested applicants and families in Manny's Bodega
Manny’s Bodega, named after MSM mascot Manny the Polar Bear, was an on-campus space for applicants to rest, enjoy some complimentary snacks, meet the faculty, and get to know MSM President James Gandre and Provost Joyce Griggs.
*Bo-de-ga: small convenience store in New York City that serves as a community hub
Manny’s Bodega was home to the following events:
Which breaks down to:
An excited applicant checking in at the check-in desk, manned by one of our M-Team workers, Ryan Parichuk (BM '27), classical trombone
The final totals:
Total virtual auditions: 375 Total final auditions and interviews: approximately 2,200 Total hours of auditions: 125
Total amount of fun: too much to count!
MSM President James Gandre and Assistant Vice President for Strategic Innovation and Special Initiatives Nic Gonzalez chatting with applicants in Manny's Bodega
MSM Audition Week 2026
President Gandre chatting with applicants in Manny's Bodega
Members of the MSM Admission Team and Manny the Polar Bear (from left to right: Bailey Pierce, Assistant Director for Digital Marketing and Admission; Taylor Trentham, Assistant Director of Admission; Kayla Thomas, Admission Counselor)
Congratulations to all our applicants. We have been so impressed by the quality of this year’s auditions, and we hope that you are proud of what you’ve accomplished thus far.
Please note that all numbers listed are approximations.
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