Jazz Auditions — Autumn 2024

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.

NEW FOR 2024 — the Gospel Choir and Show Band will hold their auditions separately from Jazz. Visit Commercial Music Ensembles. 

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. 

 

STEP 1: All students must complete the Jazz Audition Registration Form (required) at least one day prior to the scheduled date for your instrument or voice. Jazz Audition Registration Form (Closed)
 

STEP 2: Schedule your audition via SignUpGenius prior to audition week (required). Use the link for your instrument. (Closed)

  • Woodwinds — Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
  • Bass — Tuesday and Thursday, Aug. 20 and 22 from 3:45–5 p.m.
  • Drum Set — Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
  • Guitar and Piano — Monday, Aug. 19 from 5–8 p.m., -OR- via uploaded video to be completed and submitted by Friday, Aug. 23 at 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. 22 from 12–4 p.m.


STEP 3: Prepare the audition requirement and excerpts for your instrument. (Closed)

QUESTIONS?  Email the faculty member noted in the instructions for your instrument, below.

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

NEW FOR 2024 — the Gospel Choir and Show Band will hold their auditions separately from Jazz. Visit Commercial Music Ensembles. 

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, August 25 from 6–7 p.m. in Timashev Recital Hall.

Rehearsals begin the first week of classes. 
 

General Questions?

Email Mike Smith, coordinator of Jazz Studies.

[pdf] — Some links above are to PDF files requiring Adobe Reader. If you need them in a more accessible format, please contact us.