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Jazz Auditions — Autumn 2025

Audition Overview

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

Auditions are held during the first week of autumn semester. Follow the 3-step Audition Process below.

The Ohio Show Band will hold auditions separately from Jazz. 

Visit Commercial Music Ensembles for Show Band and Gospel Choir details.

Finally, be sure to read "After the Auditions" instructions at the end of this page.

Audition Process

All 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.  
     

All steps are required. 

STEP 1: Schedule your audition time via SignUpGenius (required). Use the link for your instrument. Auditions are held during the first week of classes. 

  • Saxophones/Woodwinds (Tuesday, Aug. 26; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.)
  • Bass (Tuesday, Aug. 26 and Thursday, Aug. 28; 3:45–5 p.m.)
  • Drum Set (Wednesday, Aug. 27; 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.)
  • Guitar and Piano (Monday, Aug. 25; 5–8 p.m.)
    • If you elect to record an audition video, upload to YouTube and send an unlisted link to Dave Powers (piano) or Kevin Turner (guitar).
  • Trumpet and Trombone (Thursday, Aug. 28; 12 noon–4 p.m.)

STEP 2: Prior to your audition day — complete the Jazz Audition Registration form (required). 

Jazz Audition Registration form


STEP 3: Prepare the audition requirements and excerpts for your instrument. Excerpts below. 

Questions?  Email the faculty member noted in the instructions for your instrument.

Ensemble Class Times

Jazz Ensemble — Tue./Thu. 1:50–3:55 p.m.

Jazz Lab Band — Tue./Thu. 1:50–3:55 p.m.

Jazz Workshop Band — Mon./Wed. 1:50–3:55 p.m.

Jazz Combos — Class times are listed on the Audition Registration Form.

Preparations and Excerpts

Bass

Auditions

  • Dates — Tuesday, Aug. 26 and Thursday, Aug. 28
  • Times — 3:45–5 p.m.
  • Location — Timashev N463

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 excerpt(s) below
  • Play prepared piece excerpt(s) below

Jazz bass excerpts


Questions? Email Milton V. Ruffin

Drum Set

Auditions

  • Date — Wednesday, Aug. 27
  • Times — 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
  • Location — Timashev N543

You need only bring your stick bag. A complete drum set will be provided.

You will be asked to play "Epistrophy," and possibly play grooves in a variety of styles as well as sight read a chart. 


Questions? Email Jim Rupp or Mike Smith

Guitar

Auditions

  • Date — Monday, Aug. 25
  • Times — 5–8 p.m.
  • Location — Timashev N465

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
  • Play the head, improvise over and comp (play chords/accompaniment) to "Billie's Bounce" and "Blue Bossa."


Questions? Email Kevin Turner

Piano

Auditions

  • Date — Monday, Aug. 25
  • Times — 5–8 p.m.
  • Location — Timashev N465

Prepare all three selections below, plus two or three choruses of blues improvisation in the key of your choice. 

You will also be asked to sight read (TBA from instructor).


Questions? Email Dave Powers 

Saxophones/Woodwinds

Auditions

  • Date — Tuesday, Aug. 26
  • Times — 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
  • Location — Timashev N547

Prepare the following:

Scales

  • Major — perform 2 octaves, when able
  • Chromatic, from low B-flat

Prepared excerpt

Improvisation over B-flat concert Blues


Questions? Email Shawn Wallace or Robert Brooks

Trombone

Auditions

  • Date — Thursday, Aug. 28
  • Times — 12 noon–4 p.m.
  • Location — Timashev N543

Select TWO of the six jazz trombone selections below to demonstrate your ability to interpret each piece with jazz styling.

Also prepare:

  • Two or three choruses of blue improvisation in the key of your choice
  • F chromatic scale, two octaves
  • Any major scale of the professor's choice

You will also be asked to sight read (TBA from instructor).


Questions? Email Chris Anderson

Trumpet

Auditions

  • Date — Thursday, Aug. 28
  • Times — 12 noon–4 p.m.
  • Location — Timashev N543

Students should be prepared to play:

  • Chromatic scale
  • One major / one minor scale

Also prepare: 

  • Improvisation: "Au Privave"
  • Audition selection: "Bierenga's Blues"


Questions? Email John Douglas

 

After the Auditions

Personnel lists will be posted on the bulletin board across from the Weigel Hall first floor elevator, located behind the main office.

All students participating in jazz ensembles and lessons must attend a Jazz Studies area meeting to be held Sunday evening, September 7 from 6–7 p.m. in Timashev Recital Hall.

Rehearsals begin the first week of classes. 
 

Questions? Email Mike Smith, coordinator of Jazz Studies. at smith.8675@osu.edu.

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