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Jazz Auditions

All instruments are welcome!

No jazz experience necessary

You must have experience playing the instrument you are auditioning on

Auditions required for both Jazz I and Jazz II (Jazz I audition must include improvisation)

Audition Prep Workshops — Zero Hour September 5-6, 2019

Please attend one of two of these workshops during zero hour. We will go over what we are looking for in auditions, play through the audition, talk about membership in each band, and answer any questions.

Jazz Band Auditions — September 9-12, 2019

An audition is required to play in either Jazz I or Jazz II. Below are the requirements for each section. You can find the sheet music below or printed out by Mr. Sayre’s office in the band room (102). Sign up for your audition time on Mr. Sayre’s office window.

Melody Instruments (woodwinds, brass, strings)

  • Play provided head (Yardbird Suite) with accompaniment track
  • Jazz I audition: improvise over changes
  • Sight reading
  • Audition questionnaire

Piano/Vibes/Guitar/Bass (Rhythm Section)

  • Play provided head (Yardbird Suite) with accompaniment track
  • Comp/walk on chorus of provided head
  • Jazz I auditions: solo over changes
  • Sight reading
  • Audition questionnaire

Drums (Rhythm Section)

  • Comp provided head (Yardbird Suite- medium swing 130-160 bpm)
  • Jazz I auditions: solo over form
  • Prepare the following grooves: medium samba, sixteenth funk, ballad with brushes, slow through fast swing
  • Sight reading
  • Audition questionnaire

 

Jazz Band Audition Music and Practice Tracks

Yardbird Suite Track 160 bpm

Yardbird Suite Track 130 bpm