The following instruments are currently acceptable for admittance into the Jazz Studies Program:
Guitar, Bass, Piano, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Strings, Vibraphone, Drums and Voice
Audition Requirements:
Perform a prepared piece of your choice. Jazz style is preferred but not required.
Be prepared to play major scales in C, F, Bb, Eb, G and D concert in swing 8th notes.
Sight-read a provided rhythmic excerpt in 4/4 time.
Sight-read a provided 8-bar musical excerpt in 4/4 time.
Improvise using a pentatonic scale (provided and explained by instructor).
Complete written theory assessment.
Each audition should take about 15 minutes.
Additional instrument-specific requirements:
Bass:
Play a bassline over a Latin and a swing piece.
Voice:
Perform 2 songs (rather than 1) with accompanying tracks. Varying styles preferred.
Drums:
Be prepared to play swing, Bossa Nova, samba, rock & funk styles.
Use brushes to demonstrate ballad playing.
Please only apply to the Fine Arts Center if you can commit to following the application and audition instructions, checking your email and your Backpack account regularly, and showing up to your audition time if you are offered an audition.
In order to receive an audition with us, you must be a student in good standing at your school. We will look at your discipline record and grades to ensure that you will be a successful student in the rigorous, independent learning environment of the FAC.
*Students who will not be attending a GCS High School next year - Charter School, Home School, Private School, Virtual School:
Charter school students within a district that has chosen to partner with Greenville County Schools, private school students and home school students are eligible to participate in assigned FAC programs on a space available basis with regularly enrolled in-district students having priority. Students who attend/are planning to attend a non-GCS High School may audition; however, priority for admittance will be given to students who attend/are planning to attend a GCS High School. GCS students will be granted admission first, and if there are remaining spots in the program, they will be offered to non-GCS students based on their audition score.
Charter school students within a charter district that has not chosen to partner with Greenville County Schools will not be allowed to attend the FAC.
You are responsible for confirming that your class schedule will not conflict with the FAC schedule. We will not allow students to leave FAC early or arrive at the FAC late due to your school's class schedule. Please ensure that there are no conflicts before applying to the FAC.