Embedded Files
In Person Auditions for the 2024 - 2025 Jazz Choirs
will be Thursday, September 19th beginning at 3:15pm
Thank you for auditioning for Jazz Choir at Waukee Northwest High School.
A spot in this ensemble is an honor to celebrate!
Included in this packet is information about the audition process, audition materials, and other material that must be ready prior to auditions. The auditions are broken down into two rounds—each round will assess various skills necessary to sing in the jazz style.
Students auditioning for ANY of the HS jazz choirs (Keynote & Noteworthy) will be asked to sing scales & sing a jazz solo along to a pre-recorded track. This will assess basic vocal tone and performance style. Examples of each exercise are listed below.
Scale--Major; Natural Minor; Chromatic
Students will sing their scale(s), both ascending and descending, in swing style, sung on syllables ‘doo-ba’ or ‘doo-vah.’ Optional: A new pitch may be given in between each scale.
Tempo approximately quarter note = 92; sung a cappella.
Soprano begin on E
Alto begin on A (below middle C)
Tenor begin on E
Bass begin on G
Jazz Solo--Scat solos or embellishments to the song are not required but are highly encouraged and marked in the music for you.
Sop- Fools Rush In -- Aebersold Vol 41 (Once through, no repeats, NO coda)
Alto- Summertime -- Aebersold Vol 107 (Once through, no repeats, NO coda)
Tenor- You’re My Everything -- Aebersold Vol 41 (Once through, no repeats, NO coda)
Bass- I Thought About You -- Aebersold Vol 107 (Once through, follow repeats, NO coda)
Sightreading–Students auditioning for Keynote are expected to sightread – Melodic: 4/4 time signature, max leap of M6. May be sung on solfege or a neutral syllable – whatever will help you succeed!
Auditioning for the groups commits you to the schedule, financial obligation, and performances for each group upon selection. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Murray.
The schedule for jazz choir is very important and must be a priority. This is a smaller ensemble, BUT everyone is a vital part of the ensemble—one missing musician greatly affects the overall effectiveness of rehearsal. The directors are as flexible as they can be with scheduled school events (speech & theater, sports, band, etc) and have been able to make 100% of all conflicts work out. Nearly all of the past members have had other activities that they have been involved with and it works out great. The directors will never ask the student to choose – the coaches and the director will workout a plan prior.
2023-2024 Rehearsals:
First rehearsal for groups (Tentatively): Tuesday, October 28th
3:15-5:30pm
Keynote Rehearsals are Tuesday afternoons
3:30–5:30pm in choir rooms at NWHS beginning October 28th.
Morning sectionals 7:15-8:00am beginning Nov 4th & 5th
The 2024-2025 Performance Schedule -
Oct 5 - Vocal Jazz Academy at Valley High School
Nov ?? - I-Wolves National Anthem
Dec 17 - Jazzmas Caroling
Jan 17 - Waukee Star Struck
Jan 30 or 31 - Valley Vocal Jazz Summit
Feb 14 - Singing Valentines outing
Feb 28 - Greene County Jazz
Mar 7 - Dallas Center Grimes Jazz Festival
Mar 26 - per submission Iowa Vocal Jazz Champs (at DCG High School this year)
Students in Keynote will also be encouraged to audition for the All State Jazz Choir - Video auditions due April 7th Or April 14th
Financial Obligation:
Our district transitioned to the language of suggested donations instead of mandatory fees. As a staff, we have been diligent to ensure that our previously collected fees are spent in a way that utilizes every dollar brought in. As we continue forward, that mission remains the same. Our suggested donation amount of $75 per student covers exactly what it costs to outfit our ensemble, get them to and from contests, and bring in clinicians.
Prior to auditioning, students will be expected to complete the audition information form–linked below:
Audition Information Form: https://forms.gle/SeUzvgELEwwMFmhv6
Questions: Mrs. Murray kmurray@waukeeschools.org
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