Audition Materials

We are using Set “C” this year. Click here for PDF's of the etudes.

Etude #1 "Millennium Blues"  - suggested tempo: quarter note = 160+ (swing) 

Etude #2 “Ballad for a New Year” suggested tempo: quarter note = @65-75 (ballad/straight 8th's)

• While students are expected to play these etudes in their appropriate style, they may “embellish” the melody in ways that enhance the performance. It may help them to listen to jazz performances/recordings to reinforce the concepts that the judges will be listening for.

•  The Guitar, Bass and Piano parts include notes and/or chords.  Students may play exactly what is written with embellishments like the wind players, or they may create a stylistically correct accompaniment to the tune.

• Drums will play these pieces with a jazz ensemble mp3 accompaniment.  

• Drums must also demonstrate 2 additional styles:

12-16 bars of Latin (Bossa Nova)

12-16 bars Rock/Funk

Click here for reference recordings of the etudes and recordings without drums for the audition.