Auditions

*UPDATE June 2022

Jazz Band has not had auditions since before COVID. We may not have auditions again next year for '22-23. I was thrilled with the level of participation once the audition barrier was removed. However, if turnout is HUGE for the band next year, we may split into two ensembles, or find another solution that may involve selection based on playing ability.

I'm leaving the following OLD information from 2019 here just for reference:

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Auditions will take place Monday, September 28, Tuesday, September 29, and Wednesday, September 30. You may audition after school or during a study block, IF I am available and you make arrangements with me in advance.

Everyone interested in jazz band MUST audition. Nobody is guaranteed a seat, regardless of last year’s participation. However, priority will be given to former members, as long as they come to the audition prepared and have demonstrated positive effort, attitude, and participation in the past.

All auditions are 10 minutes long.

Audition Requirements for Jazz Band

All Winds, Piano, Guitar, Upright bass:

  • · Chromatic scale, one octave ascending and descending, memorized.

  • · Major scales, up to 2 sharps and 2 flats. (C, D, G, F, and B-flat major)

  • Assigned piece: Red’s Good Groove by Red Garland Please LISTEN TO the song!

  • · Sight-Reading (a short section of music in swing style)

  • Bass only: In addition to the melody of the assigned piece, construct a walking bass line for a 12-bar blues form in C (see me for handout with chord changes)

Drum set: In addition to preparing the assigned piece from a lead sheet (be ready to play with a recording), please demonstrate the following:

  • · A Latin or Bossa Nova groove

  • · A slower swing groove using brushes.

Please sign-up for a time on the bulletin board outside the band room.

If you audition for jazz band and are not accepted for any reason, please join Jazz Lab Band.

Lab Band may add new members after auditions or after the fall concert, but the Jazz Band roster is set at auditions and remains through the year.

Jazz Band will rehearse after school on Tuesdays and Fridays, 2:30-3:30.

Lab Band will rehearse after school on Thursdays, 2:30-3:30.

The first Jazz Band rehearsal will be Tuesday, October 6, 2:30 – 3:30.

The first Lab Band rehearsal will be Thursday, September 17, 2:30-3:30.