All current 9-11th graders (students who will be 10-12th graders next school year) are eligible to audition for jazz band. The audition process is easy - email Mrs. Janssen and she will send you materials to practice and play for her either live in person or by video recording (yay social distancing). From there, she will choose the best students for jazz band.
Don't play a jazz instrument but are interested in being in jazz band? GREAT! Your previous work ethic and attitude in class will count as a HUGE part of your audition. If Mrs. Janssen thinks you have what it takes to learn the instrument over the summer, she can save a spot for you in jazz band and you can do your audition in the fall. If you make the cut, you're in! If you didn't practice, you'll have to find another class to take.
Typical Jazz Band instrumentation is as follows: 2 alto saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 1 baritone saxophone, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, 1 piano, 1 bass guitar, 1 guitar, 1 drummer. Mrs. J is open to having larger sections if we have that many qualified candidates, but will also be ok with a smaller section if we don't have enough people to meet quality standards. This group is about stepping up our musicianship and playing some difficult music - we want the best!
All students grades 9-12 who are enrolled in jazz band are eligible to audition for the District KMEA Honor Jazz Band. Students selected to perform in this band will then be eligible to audition for All-State Jazz Band! This link has audition excerpt information. Mrs. Janssen likely has the music you need - all you have to do is ask for it!
Warning: the link hasn't been updated from the 19-20 school year auditions. They typically don't update it until later in May with the auditions for the coming fall.