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).

  • Instrumentalists (brass, saxes/woodwinds, 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. See Preparations and Excerpts below.
  • Vocalists are expected to (i) demonstrate vocal range, (ii) sing an unaccompanied song of their choice and (iii) demonstrate ability to harmonize at audition.

All students must complete the Jazz Audition Form (required) at least one day prior to the scheduled date for your instrument or voice.

Jazz Audition Form

Jazz Audition Schedule and Sign-Ups

Schedule your audition via the appropriate link prior to audition week (required).

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

Voice and Bass | Sign up
Tuesday, Aug. 24, 3–5 p.m. (Hughes 109)
Thursday, Aug. 26, 6:30–8:30 p.m. (Hughes 109)

Drum Set | Sign up
Wednesday, Aug. 25, 9–11 a.m. and 12–1 p.m. (Hughes 014)

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

Trumpet and Trombone | Sign up
Thursday, Aug. 26, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (Hughes 316)

Preparations and Excerpts

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:

After the Auditions

Band personnel lists will be posted on the bulletin board across from the Weigel first floor elevator.

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.