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:
- Prepare excerpts for their instrument(s).
- Sight read jazz charts, and
- 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
STEP 2: Schedule your audition via SignUpGenius prior to audition week (required). Use the link for your instrument.
- 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.
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.
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 excerpt(s) below
- Play prepared piece excerpt(s) below
Jazz bass excerpts
Questions?
Email Milton V. Ruffin
Drum Set
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
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
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
Saxophone
Prepare the following:
Scales
- Major — perform 2 octaves, when able
- Chromatic, from low B-flat
Audition excerpt below
Improvisation over B-flat concert Blues
Questions?
Email Shawn Wallace or Robert Brooks
Trombone
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
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, 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.