Auditions for Ensembles

Large jazz ensemble participation (Jazz Band I, II or III) is REQUIRED for students in the BM: Jazz Studies degree program. These ensembles satisfy the large ensemble requirement in each semester for Jazz Studies majors. In addition, jazz ensembles (big bands and combos) are open to ANY UNI student, by audition.

All students wishing to be considered for jazz ensembles (big bands and/or combos) must sign up for an audition slot using the link on the auditions page AND complete the audition information form, also found on the auditions page.

For trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, jazz auditions will be held on the Thursday and Friday prior to the first day of classes.

1. Prepare and perform the brief excerpt found on the auditions page
2. Sight Reading
3. Improvisation
   1. Improvisation is encouraged (but not required) for students who wish to be considered for large jazz ensembles only.
   2. Improvisation is required for students who wish to be considered for combos.
   3. You may pick a tune from the recommended list on the auditions page and use the backing tracks provided. If you’d like to play a tune that’s not on the list, make sure you bring your own play along device – computer, tablet, or phone (with adapter, if necessary) – to the audition, preset for your desired tempo (iReal Pro, for example, is an acceptable play along app to use).

For rhythm section instruments (guitar, piano, bass, drum set, and vibraphone), jazz auditions will be held on the Saturday prior to the first day of classes.

Guitar/Vibraphone/Piano 

1. Prepare and perform the brief excerpt found on the auditions page
2. Sight Reading
3. Improvisation/Comping – You may pick a tune from the recommended list on the auditions page and use the backing tracks provided. Play the head, comp a chorus, and solo. If you’d like to play a tune that’s not on the list, make sure you bring your own play along device – computer, tablet, or phone (with adapter, if necessary) – to the audition, preset for your desired tempo (iReal Pro, for example, is an acceptable play along app to use).
4. Group audition (“call back”) at 2pm in the Jazz Studio – this is required for all students auditioning on a rhythm section instrument! Students will play in ad hoc rhythm sections organized on the spot – repertoire TBD. This will enable the jazz faculty to experiment with various combinations of players to determine the best "fit" for each player.

Bass

1. Prepare and perform the brief excerpt found on the auditions page
2. Sight Reading
3. Improvisation/Walking.
   1. Improvisation is encouraged (but not required) for students who wish to be considered for large jazz ensembles only. Walking is required for everyone.
   2. Walking and Improvisation are required for students who wish to be considered for combos.
   3. You may pick a tune from the recommended list on the auditions page and use the backing tracks provided. Play the head, walk a chorus, and solo. If you’d like to play a tune that’s not on the list, make sure you bring your own play along device – computer, tablet, or phone (with adapter, if necessary) – to the audition, preset for your desired tempo (iReal Pro, for example, is an acceptable play along app to use).
4. Group audition (“call back”) at 2pm in the Jazz Studio – this is required for all students auditioning on a rhythm section instrument! Students will play in ad hoc rhythm sections organized on the spot – repertoire TBD. This will enable the jazz faculty to experiment with various combinations of players to determine the best "fit" for each player.

Drum Set

1. Prepare and perform the excerpt found on the auditions page
2. Sight Reading
3. Demonstrate various grooves, including (but not necessarily limited to) Medium Swing, Up-Tempo Swing, Shuffle (a la Art Blakey or Mel Lewis), Bossa Nova, Samba, Jazz Waltz, Ballad with brushes → transition to double time swing feel. 

‌View the Large Ensemble Requirements document     ‌Sign Up for an audition time

‌Jazz Ensemble Audition Information Form