Jazz Band

(ALL AUDITIONS ARE CLOSED TO OBSERVERS)

(Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Bass (Electric or Acoustic), Guitar, Drums/Percussion) All applicants, except percussion and piano, must bring their own instrument(s). Please complete a separate application for each instrument for which you wish to audition. Applicants will participate in a personal interview. Applicants may demonstrate improvisational skill using 12 Bar Blues in F major (not required). Tracks may be found on Aebersold Volume II “Nothin’ But Blues,” which can be purchased at www.jazzbooks.com

Saxophone/Trumpet/Trombone/Percussion

Scales: Applicants are expected to perform as many major scales as they know (suggested- at least Concert G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb) multiple octaves when appropriate, with arpeggios, and their chromatic scale, throughout the natural range of his/her instrument as per FBA All-State audition requirements.
Perform this year's Polk All-County Band Audition etude for your instrument. Your band director should be able to assist. If you are not a current PCPS band student, please email Mr. Lambert for a copy of the etude at rob.lambert@polk-fl.net.
If an applicant wishes to demonstrate his/her ability further than what the required audition etude demonstrates, he/she may present 16-32 measures of a prepared solo. Something from the FBA Solo & Ensemble music would be appropriate for this purpose.
Sight Reading: You will be asked to play an excerpt lasting approximately 8-16 measures, according to your ability. You will be given 30 seconds to review the excerpt before you play it.
5. Jazz Repertoire (Percussion should play on a mallet instrument).
1. Two standard songs of contrasting styles (latin, swing, or ballad). Songs may be chosen from the suggested song list below and may be found in “The Real Book” published by Hal Leonard.
2. Other standard songs may be used in place of the suggested songs.
3. Songs should be performed at a consistent tempo and with proper style. Suggested Song List: All the Things You Are, Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, Imagination, Misty, Satin Doll, Stormy Weather, Take the “A” Train, Wave, Witchcraft.
Drum set: In addition to auditioning with the above requirements on mallets and snare drum, the following styles/tempos are required on drum set: Rock, quarter note = 92; Bossa Nova, quarter note = 120; Swing, quarter note = 144; and Jazz Samba, quarter note = 100. Percussionists must bring their own sticks and mallets.

Bass/Double Bass*/Piano*/Rhythm Guitar*

Scales: Applicants are expected to perform as many major scales as they know (suggested- at least G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb) multiple octaves when appropriate, with arpeggios, and their chromatic scale, throughout the natural range of his/her instrument.
Sight Reading; You will be asked to play an excerpt lasting approximately 8-16 measures, according to your ability. You will be given 30 seconds to review the excerpt before you play it.
Jazz Repertoire
1. Two standard songs of contrasting styles (Latin, swing, or ballad). Songs may be chosen from the suggested song list below and may be found in The Real Book” published by Hal Leonard
2. Other standard songs may be used in place of the suggested songs. Songs should be performed at a consistent tempo and with proper style. Suggested Song List: All the Things You Are, Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, Imagination, Misty, Satin Doll, Stormy Weather, Take the “A” Train, Wave, Witchcraft.
3. Bassists must demonstrate a stylistically correct bass line (i.e. walking, etc.). Example: “Autumn Leaves” play two times; first time – play melody, second time – play stylistically correct bass line.
4. Rhythm guitarists and pianists must demonstrate stylistically correct comping. Example: “Autumn Leaves” play two times; first time – play melody (with chords in left hand if possible), second time – play stylistically correct comped chords.

Audition Requirements

The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts Audition Requirements