All students interested in participating at any level are encouraged to audition. Auditions are required for placement in the Jazz Band.

Auditions will be held on Wednesday, December 18 between 2:40 and 4:30 pm in the FSHS Bandroom. Students can sign-up for an audition time on the Bandroom door.  Audition requirements will be as follows:

Students auditioning for Jazz 1 must play 3 choruses of improvised Bb Blues over the recorded track in addition to the requirements below. Download the Bb blues track here.

Winds (Saxes, Trumpet, and Trombone):

• 7 Blues scales with arpeggios (2 minute time limit – 5 points per octave)

• Jazz excerpt Stellar*, Measures 1-32, with the recorded accompaniment track.

• Sight Reading

Piano, Guitar, Bass:

• 7 Blues scales with arpeggios (2 minute time limit – 5 points per octave)

• Jazz excerpt Stellar*, Measures 1-32, with the recorded accompaniment track.

  • Play once through solo as written.

  • Play once through walking/comping over the changes.

• Sight Reading

Drums:

• Applicant must demonstrate rhythmic and “groove” competency in the following musical styles: Moderate Swing, “Double Time” Swing, Funk/Rock, and Bossa Nova. Lessons on the styles are available at the following link.

• Jazz excerpt Stellar*, Measures 1-32, with the recorded accompaniment track.

  • Play once through solo as written.

  • Play once through fill/comping over the changes.

• Sight Reading

*The solo and backgrounds are on the track labeled "with solo."  For your audition you will be playing the solo only with the background track. You can practice by using the link labeled "w/o solo." 

If you have questions or concerns about the Jazz auditions or to receive materials by email, please contact Mr. Schneider at jmschneider@k12.wv.us

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