Audition registration opens
Asimut Timeslots Open
Audition excerpts posted
Registration closed for all instruments
Jazz Auditions Begin
First day of the Fall 2026 semester
First day for: SJE
First day for: JLE
First day for: JE
All Auditions will be in Kevreson Rehearsal Hall
Please note: Audition Registration will CLOSE on Wednesday, August 26th at 12:00pm so assignments can be made for Jazz and Jazz Lab Rhythm Section Audition groupings.
Thursday, August 27 (Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Lab Ensemble)
9:00am - 11:00am Trumpets
12:30pm - 4:00pm Rhythm Section (please plan on being available for the entire 3.5 hour block; you will not know your assigned time until the groupings are posted. You may be asked to play in more than one group depending on numbers. )
Friday, August 28 (Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Ensemble, & Small Jazz Ensemble)
9:00am - 11:00am Trombones
12:00pm - 1:30pm Saxophones
1:30pm - 3:30pm Saxophones with woodwind doubles
4:00pm - 7:00pm Small Jazz Ensemble
All students are expected to participate in the live audition process as part of their educational and professional development. Those who do not complete an audition during their scheduled time will not be considered for any principal position.
You may be excused from your audition for the following reasons:
Illness with doctor's note
Death in the family
Military service conflict
Festival participation where ending date is in direct conflict with audition date
Extenuating Circumstances with faculty approval
If you will be missing your audition date for any of the aforementioned reasons, you MUST contact Professors Andrew Bishop, Dennis Wilson, and Kris Johnson (for Jazz Ensemble/Jazz Lab) or Professor Andy Milne (for Small Jazz Ensemble) to arrange a time to audition in person. Due to the nature of jazz auditions, a recorded submission is not acceptable.
Audition Registration for Fall Term 2026 will open Monday, July 27th at 12:00pm EST. All students auditioning must complete the registration form. This is separate from registering for the course and both are required.
Once you complete the registration form, it takes roughly 24-48 hours to PROCESS your information; once your form has been processed, you will be able to choose an audition time using the Asimut interface (Rhythm Section and SJE users do NOT have to choose a time, but will be automatically added to the audition block).
Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Lab Ensemble Registration Form
Small Jazz Ensemble Registration Form
Links will activate on Monday, July 27
Auditions will consist of the posted prepared pieces as well as sight reading. Students are encouraged to demonstrate improvisational skills over a tune of their choosing. Piano accompaniment will be provided. Any saxophonist wishing to audition on woodwind doubles in addition to saxes should sign up for a 20 minute time slot between 1:30pm - 3:30pm.
Auditions will consist of the posted prepared pieces as well as sight reading. Students are encouraged to demonstrate improvisational skills over a tune of their choosing.
Drummers must bring cymbals, sticks, and brushes.
Amplifiers will be provided but bassists and guitarists must have their own patch cords.
Prepare all of [piece].
Saxophonists should prepare the part (alto, tenor, bari) that would be their first preference to play in the ensemble, but we will ask you if you own a different one and would be willing to play it if asked. Brass players players can elect a lead part or a lower part as provided and trombonists can also elect the bass bone part if that is their specialty.
For your reference, a recording of [piece is linked here.]
Rhythm section players will be placed into audition groups (you will not be auditioning by yourselves) and those groupings will be posted after 2pm on Wednesday, August 26th. All rhythm section players need to be available for the entire 12:30pm - 4:00pm slot.
Drummers should bring cymbals, brushes, and sticks.
Bassists and guitarists need to bring patch cords if they will be needing them. Amps will be provided.
Everyone will be asked to sightread and there will also be an opportunity to improvise over a tune of your choice if would like.
Excerpt information will be posted Tuesday, July 28
Autumn Leaves (g minor);
Green Dolphin St (Eb Major);
There Will Never Be Another You (Eb Major);
Take The A Train (C Major);
What Is This Thing Called Love (C Major)