How to Audition for Jazz Band
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Set your sight on jazz band next year!
Students often ask how they can get into The Cats jazz band.
But the truth is that we want you where you are going to have the most success.
The Doras is an awesome jazz band because it allows you to learn fun music in a low stress environment. The Doras have a shorter list of music to learn, and the music is easier for students new to jazz. The Doras also has opportunities for very good musicians to take on leadership roles like lead trumpet, lead trombone, and lead alto.
The Cats is a high octane jazz band that performs a lot! Rehearses a LOT (we have a 3 hour rehearsal each year), and performs a lot. We have jazz festivals on Saturdays. If you are going to COMMIT to The Cats, you have to be willing to make JAZZ BAND a big part of your life. Rehearsals are mandatory, and should only be missed if you are sick. We rehearse twice a week. The music is difficult, but it's oh so awesome!
If you decide to Audition, you should be ready to play for your teacher during the month of June.
If you audition, you are putting yourself out there for a role in The Cats. Your audition determines the role you will play in the band. Jazz bands have books. These books are referred to as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th parts. If you play the saxophone, you may be asked to switch to alto, tenor, or bari. You may also earn a leadership role in The Doras or you may find yourself situated with a fun ensemble book in The Doras.
Regardless of your landing place, your teacher will help you identifty the place where you belong to learn the most next year.
Directions for Auditioning for The Cats, The Doras or preparing for HS jazz band:
Whether you are in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, prepare for jazz band next year by downloading the audition material for your instrument. Then see your band teacher for the music.
YOUR GOAL - Listen to the professionals until you know the material so well that you can sing it. Then start learning the music. It's not enough to learn the notes. You have to LEARN HOW TO SPEAK THE MUSIC THROUGH YOUR INSTRUMENT.
Remember: JAZZ IS A LANGUAGE!
Listen to how each note is pronounced.
Listen to how each note is articulated and slured and accented.
Listen to the tone.
Listen to the dynamics of each note.
Your ultimate goal is to sound exactly like the pros. YOU CAN DO THIS! It just takes repeated effort. See how much of the music you can learn!
Good luck. You are going to be amazing!
Let your band teacher know that you are preparing to play for him in June!
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