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CdM Jazz Info for ALL INSTRUMENTS
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU AUDITION:
The CdM Jazz Ensemble is a 0 period class that meets every weekday during 0 Period. 7:30 am - 8:25 am.
You must recieve confirmation that you have passed your audition and have been selected *before* you request the class with counseling. If you pass the audition, Mr. Jamora will submit your name for enrollment.
The CdM Jazz Ensemble is a class for which the student will earn an A-F grade.
All enrolled members are required to perform in concert as part of the grade for the class.
There is a concert dress code that students will have to observe for performances.
We do not teach instruments at the beginning level in the Jazz class.
There are limited spots for guitar, bass guitar, piano and drums. Please contact Mr. Jamora to see if there is an opening.
ALL students will be expected to improvise solos at some point.
Arrange to do a live or Zoom audition by e-mailing Val Jamora at vjamora@nmusd.us You may also contact Mr. Jamora at that address with any questions you may have. Try to have your audition completed as soon as possible.
Fill out this short Google form indicating your interest.
REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES
Experience
The jazz class is more about teaching the language and styles associated with jazz genres. We do not, unfortunately, teach any of the instruments at the beginning or remedial level. Candidates for the jazz program are expected to have existing technical skills on their chosen instrument. Membership will be determined by an audition.
Rhythm Section - Reading Sheet Music
For students Drums, Guitar and Bass Guitar, we understand that players often gain several years of experience without learning to read. If you lack reading skills, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be a good fit for the jazz group *however* we would expect you to be able to find a way to learn parts, and to pick up as much reading as we go along. It would require a good ear, familiarity with your instrument and a willingness to learn. Because piano players typically come from a classical background, reading skills would be expected.
Piano
At least 4-5 Years preferred experience w/ lessons.
Experience reading chord symbols desirable.
Basic knowledge of major and minor scales, as well as triad and 7th chords.
Comfortable playing dotted rhythms down to 16th note subdivision.
Able to play independently in both hands.
Able to read standard music notation.
Can comfortable read and play rhythms in 4/4, 3/4, 2/2, and 6/8 time signatures.
Bass
Ability to walk bass line in a blues progression desirable.
Ability to read sheet music preferred.
Special interest in players who can play upright as well as electric bass.
Guitar
Ability to read melodic lines preferred.
Knowledge of standard pop chord symbols preferred.
Comfortable playing melodic solo lines.
Drums
Ability to read sheet music preferred.
Plays with good time.
Able to play the following grooves with fills:
Swing
Latin
Rock
Jazz Waltz (3/4 Time)
Saxophones.
Ability to play all notes the entire range of the horn preferred (low Bb to high F)
Can produce a strong, characteristic tone
Basic knowledge of major and minor scales preferred.
Able to read standard music notation.
Can comfortably read and play rhythms in 4/4, 3/4, 2/2, and 6/8 time signatures.
Comfortable playing dotted rhythms down to 16th note subdivision.
Trumpets
Ability to notes range from low C to G just above the staff (High C preferred)
Can produce a strong, characteristic tone
Basic knowledge of major and minor scales preferred.
Able to read standard music notation.
Can comfortable read and play rhythms in 4/4, 3/4, 2/2, and 6/8 time signatures.
Comfortable playing dotted rhythms down to 16th note subdivision.
Trombone
Ability to notes range from low F to F above the staff
Can produce a strong, characteristic tone
Basic knowledge of major and minor scales preferred.
Able to read standard music notation.
Can comfortable read and play rhythms in 4/4, 3/4, 2/2, and 6/8 time signatures.
Comfortable playing dotted rhythms down to 16th note subdivision.
Applicants for the CdM Jazz Ensemble should to learn three demo charts:
Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
Watch What Happens
Freddy Freeloader
Students will only need to play through the main melody of each song once. (Mostly the first page for the melody instruments)
The sheet music for the melody instruments has three separate part. Treble Clef Instruments should try to play part 1. Bass clef instruments may have to play part 2 or 3. You will NOT need to demonstrate an improvised solo for your audition.
The sheet music can be found here:
Flute, Violin, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, and Cello
Eb Alto Saxophone and Eb Baritone Saxophone
Bb Clarinet, Bb Trumpet, Bb Tenor Saxophone
AUDIO TRACKS
Listening to and playing along with the demo tracks will help. You can listen to the recordings here:
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