Jazz Choir

In Person Auditions for the 2022 - 2023 Jazz Choirs

will be Thursday, September 15th beginning at 3:15pm

Thank you for auditioning for one of the Jazz Choirs at Waukee Northwest High School.

A spot in either of these ensembles 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 a scale & sing a jazz solo along to a pre-recorded track. This round will assess basic vocal tone and performance style. Examples of each exercise are listed below.

Scale--Major; Optional Scales: 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)


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.


2022-2023 Rehearsals:


First rehearsal for groups (Tentatively): Tuesday, October 25th


Keynote Rehearsals are Tuesday & Wednesday afternoons

3:30–5:30pm in choir rooms at NWHS beginning October 25th.



The 2022-2023 Performance Schedule -

Jan 13 - Waukee Star Struck

Jan 27 - Valley Vocal Jazz Summit

Feb 24 - Greene County Jazz

Mar 3 - SMV Jazz Fest - Keynote Only

Mar 28 - per submission Iowa Vocal Jazz Champs + All State Jazz Choir auditions (This will be in Iowa City this year)



Prior to auditioning, students will be expected to complete the audition information form–linked below:

Audition Information Form: https://forms.gle/HoyJv4WaFTet9P4NA (same as linked above)

Questions:

Mrs. Murray - kmurray@waukeeschools.org Mr. Daubitz - jdaubitz@waukeeschools.org