Audition information

JAZZ BAND AUDITIONS

We use a big band instrumentation:

2 Alto Sax

2 Tenor Sax

1 Bari Sax

4 Trumpets

4 Trombones

2 Piano

1 Guitar

1 Bass

1 Drum Set

1 Percussion

Winds, piano, guitar and bass auditions:

Availability. You must be available Tuesday nights from 7-9PM. Do not audition if you have a standing conflict.
Prepared solo. Go to document manager of band website and use file: Jazz Band auditions - Impressions.
Improvisation. You do not have to improvise for auditions unless you want to gain the Lead alto sax, Lead tenor sax and Lead trumpet parts. If you want to improvise there are 2 options:
1. Play the prepared solo and then improvise over Impressions recording found on band website.
2. Improvise over F Blues recording found on band website.

Drumset auditions:

Jazz Drumset auditions consist of you being able to demonstrate rhythmic and “groove” competency in the following musical styles:

● 4/4 swing at a variety of tempos (ride & Hi hat keep beat) snare and kick drum only for fills.

● Fast jazz waltz with sticks (Metronome = 160 b.p.m.)

● Slow jazz waltz with brushes (Metronome = 86 b.p.m.)

● Funk styles

● Samba or Bossa Nova

● Rock ballad (Metronome = 86 b.p.m.)

Students must play each groove and then demonstrate a ‘fill’ before going back into the groove.

Additional skills assessed during the Jazz Drumset audition:

● Sightreading “Big Band” charts

Drummers, check out this website for help with styles!