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JAZZ PLACEMENTS INFORMATION FALL 2025
JAZZ PLACEMENTS INFORMATION FALL 2025
Are you in Band, Orchestra, or Color Guard? Are you an 8th Grade fine arts student at Apollo JH or Liberty JH? Do you play a specialty instrument like piano, electric bass, or guitar? Then you are eligible to signup for the Berkner Jazz Band!
All eligible students who signup for Jazz Band will be added to our 8th Period Jazz Class! Students will audition for a specific performance ensemble next semester (similar to how you audition for band, orchestra, or choir). Audition Packets are available now... scroll below for your instrument-specific audition packet!
All current jazz band members will audition in classes on Tues, May 15 and Thurs, May 17. All incoming 9th grade jazz members may schedule an appointment with Mr. Townsend (austin.townsend@risd.org) from May 1 to May 15. Any students who do not complete an audition will complete their audition on the first day of jazz class on Wednesday, August 13.
2025 Placement Audition Info
(Learn more about the placement audition... click here!)
Q: What is a “Jazz Placement Audition”?
Q: What is a “Jazz Placement Audition”?
A: All registered students will play a live audition for Mr. Townsend and Ms. Dunlap. The goal of this audition is to place students in a performing ensemble that will help them grow and succeed throughout the school year.
A: All registered students will play a live audition for Mr. Townsend and Ms. Dunlap. The goal of this audition is to place students in a performing ensemble that will help them grow and succeed throughout the school year.
Q: I don’t know how/I have never improvised! What should I do?
Q: I don’t know how/I have never improvised! What should I do?
A: No problem! Improvisation is the art of creating your own music. We will discuss in our first class meeting different rhythms and options to perform during the improvisation section.
A: No problem! Improvisation is the art of creating your own music. We will discuss in our first class meeting different rhythms and options to perform during the improvisation section.
Q: What will I play for the Jazz Placements?
Q: What will I play for the Jazz Placements?
Part 1: Improvisation over 12 bar blues in Bb Major
Click here for a sample backing track for your improvisation
Part 2: selected 112-24 measures of previous Jazz All-State Material
Drums and Rhythm section instruments will perform assigned excerpts to assess style, comping, and timing
2025 Audition Materials
(Click below on your instrument!)
2025 Ensemble Info
(Learn more about the different ensembles... click here!)
Ensembles for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
Ensembles for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
All students will audition for their assigned ensemble during classes on the firt week of school. Students can view print off another copy of their placement materials below, as well as see the following practice materials for improvisation.
Q: What is the difference between Jazz Band 1 and Jazz Band 2?
Q: What is the difference between Jazz Band 1 and Jazz Band 2?
Jazz Band I students will be proficient in executing the jazz mediums and styles, can confidently perform improvisation, and have an advanced understanding of music theory. Jazz I students will also be expected to attend impromptu performance opportunities in the Berkner Learning Community and Richardson ISD. Jazz I students will be expected to practice their instrument and improvisation skills outside of class, as well as prepare solos from memory, as well as prepare the TMEA All-State Jazz materials.
Jazz Band I students will be proficient in executing the jazz mediums and styles, can confidently perform improvisation, and have an advanced understanding of music theory. Jazz I students will also be expected to attend impromptu performance opportunities in the Berkner Learning Community and Richardson ISD. Jazz I students will be expected to practice their instrument and improvisation skills outside of class, as well as prepare solos from memory, as well as prepare the TMEA All-State Jazz materials.
Jazz Band II students will be at beginner or intermediate stages of executing jazz styles and improvisation. Jazz II will also begin exposing students to repertoire in the Great American Songbook, as well as developing their sight-reading skills and building confidence through simplified improvisation. Jazz II students will receive frequent individual attention with their improvisation skills (I promise it’s not as scary as it sounds! It’s a lot of FUN)!
Jazz Band II students will be at beginner or intermediate stages of executing jazz styles and improvisation. Jazz II will also begin exposing students to repertoire in the Great American Songbook, as well as developing their sight-reading skills and building confidence through simplified improvisation. Jazz II students will receive frequent individual attention with their improvisation skills (I promise it’s not as scary as it sounds! It’s a lot of FUN)!
Q: How many concerts does each group perform?
Q: How many concerts does each group perform?
A: Jazz 1 is the varsity performing ensemble with rigorous performance and outside-of-school attendance expectations... this ensemble performs at least (3) times each semester. Jazz one is frequently invited to perform at Berkner Learning Community and Richardson ISD events.
A: Jazz 1 is the varsity performing ensemble with rigorous performance and outside-of-school attendance expectations... this ensemble performs at least (3) times each semester. Jazz one is frequently invited to perform at Berkner Learning Community and Richardson ISD events.
Jazz 2 is the non-varsity counterpart to the varsity group and perform at least (1) concert venue each semester. These performance events include our Winter Fundraiser Concert and Spring Concert.
Jazz 2 is the non-varsity counterpart to the varsity group and perform at least (1) concert venue each semester. These performance events include our Winter Fundraiser Concert and Spring Concert.
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