Jazz Auditions

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Requirements

Auditions are required for participation in any big band, combo, the Show Band and for applied instruction. Music majors and non-majors are welcome to join!

Any student interested in jazz ensembles or applied instruction must audition in the first week of autumn semester (see schedule below).

All brass, saxophone and rhythm players will be asked to (1) prepare excerpts for their instrument/s, (2) sight read jazz charts and (3) play short improvisations at their audition.

Audition sign-up links (Jazz Audition Form and SignUpGenius) for all auditions will be posted soon.

BASS
Bring your bass, cable and music. An amp and music stand will be provided.
You will be asked the following:

  • Play a walking bass line for a jazz blues in Bb or F and improvise over the blues
  • Sight read an intermediate-level arrangement
  • Walk a bass line to “All The Things You Are” (excerpt below)
  • Play prepared piece “Sonny’s Crib” (excerpt below)
  • Jazz bass excerpts [pdf]

GUITAR
Bring your guitar, cable and music. An amp and music stand will be provided.
You will be asked the following:

  • Comp (play chords) and improvise to a blues in the key of Bb or F
  • Play chords (min 7, maj 7, sus4, min 11, min 9, maj 9, dom 7, dom 9, dom 7b9, dom 7#9, dom 7b5)
  • Read chord chart from fakebook
  • Sight read melody from fakebook
  • Improvise over and comp (play chords/accompaniment) to “Blue Bossa" [pdf] excerpt

DRUM SET
You will be asked the play the piece below, and possibly play grooves in a variety of styles as well as sight read a chart. You need only bring your stick bag, as a complete set will be provided.

PIANO

SAXOPHONE ("Freedom Jazz Dance")

TRUMPET

TROMBONE

Questions?

Contact the applied instructor for your instrument:

Jazz Audition Schedule

Saxophones and Woodwinds (flute/clarinet)
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 12–4 p.m. (Hughes 407)

Voice and Bass
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 3–5 p.m. (location pending)
Thursday, Aug. 26, 6:30–8:30 p.m. (location pending)

Drum Set
Wednesday, Aug. 25, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (Hughes 014)

Guitar and Piano
Thursday, Aug. 26, 2–6 p.m. (Hughes 313A)

Trumpet and Trombone
Thursday, Aug. 26, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (Hughes 315A)

After the Auditions

All students participating in jazz ensembles and lessons must attend a Jazz Studies area meeting to be held Sunday evening, August 29, from 6–7 p.m. in Hughes Auditorium.

Rehearsals for all ensembles begin Monday, August 30.

For further information contact Professor Shawn Wallace, area head of Jazz Studies, at wallace.376@osu.edu, 614-292-2678, 407 Hughes Hall.