2023-2024 CYHS Jazz Ensemble Auditions
2023-2024 Jazz Ensemble Schedule
Auditions for placement in one of two big band jazz ensembles will take place via video submissions due October 25 for saxes and brass, and live auditions for rhythm section on October 24 after school. Instructions for submitting your video are included below.
*All students wishing to play in a jazz ensemble this year should submit an audition. Both ensembles are selected by audition, however, every student wishing to play will be given an opportunity to the extent that is practical. Rhythm section is the exception, as it is only practical to have one on a part in the rhythm section (piano, bass, guitar, and sometimes drums). Saxophone and brass players will be given an opportunity to play in an ensemble, regardless.
CENTRAL JAZZ LAB
The Jazz Lab rehearses Wednesdays, 7:15-8:30 and is a select ensemble with a standard big band instrumentation. The Jazz Lab performs at several festivals and other performances throughout the Spring.
6 O’CLOCK JAZZ BAND*
The 6 O’Clock Jazz Band rehearses Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 and is a second big band with a slightly more flexible instrumentation, allowing more students to play jazz. The 6 O’Clock Band performs at least one festival and several additional performances, while maintaining a slightly less rigorous rehearsal schedule.
*NOTE: The existence of the 6 O’Clock Band is dependent upon interest and instrumentation. Provided we have enough interest and a workable instrumentation, we will have the second band. If we do not have enough to have two bands, some cuts may have to be made.
WINTER AND SPRING SPORTS
It must be understood that, unlike Marching Band, rehearsal time cannot be shared with sports practices or any other activity for jazz ensembles. Conflicts with games and matches will be excused, however members must be present for all of jazz rehearsal when it conflicts with a sports practice. If there are too many conflicts with sports matches/games, then you may need to choose between the sport and jazz band. Please understand this policy BEFORE auditioning. Consider what sports, if any, you anticipate playing for Winter or Spring. Not knowing the actual practice schedule, are you willing to miss sports practice for jazz ensemble? In most cases, your part is played only by you, so your absence from rehearsal hinders the entire band. You may want to discuss this with your coach first - BEFORE AUDITIONING.
OTHER CONFLICTS
We cannot work around other conflicts such as Scouts, employment, lessons, club sports, etc. Please do not audition unless you are will to commit to the published schedule.
AUDITION IS CONSENT
By auditioning, you are consenting to the published rehearsal schedule and making a commitment to attend the scheduled rehearsals and events. By auditioning, you agree that jazz ensemble rehearsals will take priority in your schedule. By auditioning you are stating that you have checked the published schedule and are able to commit to the dates on the schedule.
Auditions for placement in one of two big band jazz ensembles will take place via video submissions due October 25 for saxes and brass, and live auditions for rhythm section on October 24 after school. Instructions for submitting your video are included below.
*All students wishing to play in a jazz ensemble this year should submit an audition. Both ensembles are selected by audition, however, every student wishing to play will be given an opportunity to the extent that is practical. Rhythm section is the exception, as it is only practical to have one on a part in the rhythm section (piano, bass, guitar, and sometimes drums). Saxophone and brass players will be given an opportunity to play in an ensemble, regardless.
CENTRAL JAZZ LAB
The Jazz Lab rehearses Wednesdays, 7:15-8:30 and is a select ensemble with a standard big band instrumentation. The Jazz Lab performs at several festivals and other performances throughout the Spring.
6 O’CLOCK JAZZ BAND*
The 6 O’Clock Jazz Band rehearses Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 and is a second big band with a slightly more flexible instrumentation, allowing more students to play jazz. The 6 O’Clock Band performs at least one festival and several additional performances, while maintaining a slightly less rigorous rehearsal schedule.
*NOTE: The existence of the 6 O’Clock Band is dependent upon interest and instrumentation. Provided we have enough interest and a workable instrumentation, we will have the second band. If we do not have enough to have two bands, some cuts may have to be made.
WINTER AND SPRING SPORTS
It must be understood that, unlike Marching Band, rehearsal time cannot be shared with sports practices or any other activity for jazz ensembles. Conflicts with games and matches will be excused, however members must be present for all of jazz rehearsal when it conflicts with a sports practice. If there are too many conflicts with sports matches/games, then you may need to choose between the sport and jazz band. Please understand this policy BEFORE auditioning. Consider what sports, if any, you anticipate playing for Winter or Spring. Not knowing the actual practice schedule, are you willing to miss sports practice for jazz ensemble? In most cases, your part is played only by you, so your absence from rehearsal hinders the entire band. You may want to discuss this with your coach first - BEFORE AUDITIONING.
OTHER CONFLICTS
We cannot work around other conflicts such as Scouts, employment, lessons, club sports, etc. Please do not audition unless you are will to commit to the published schedule.
AUDITION IS CONSENT
By auditioning, you are consenting to the published rehearsal schedule and making a commitment to attend the scheduled rehearsals and events. By auditioning, you agree that jazz ensemble rehearsals will take priority in your schedule. By auditioning you are stating that you have checked the published schedule and are able to commit to the dates on the schedule.
WOODWIND & BRASS
Record your audition video and submit in Schoology
1. Join the Schoology Course "CYHS Jazz Ensembles" using the code: 43KG-48DD-MTJ6C
2. Using the lead sheets and backing tracks below, make a VIDEO recording of yourself playing along to the backing track. Submit the video in the School Assignment "Auditions"
AUDITION OPTIONS for SAXES AND BRASS
Choose one of the following options, based on your comfort with improvisation. I would rather hear you attempt to improvise, at least a little, than not at all, but the options are there. Use the corresponding backing track.
OPTION 1 - 4 CHORUSES
TIPS:
Make sure you are far enough away from the 'mic' to get a good quality sound. Brass - DO NO point your bell at the camera/phone.
Listen to your recording before you submit to make sure it sounds good. - the AUDIO is the most important part. I cannot assess a poor recording.
RHYTHM SECTION - DRUMS, GUITAR, BASS, PIANO
SEE Options for auditions below.
Audition will be LIVE - after school on Tuesday, October 24
Please plan to stay after school - should not take too long - I expect everyone to be finished by 3:45-4:00.
Record your audition video and submit in Schoology
1. Join the Schoology Course "CYHS Jazz Ensembles" using the code: 43KG-48DD-MTJ6C
2. Using the lead sheets and backing tracks below, make a VIDEO recording of yourself playing along to the backing track. Submit the video in the School Assignment "Auditions"
AUDITION OPTIONS for SAXES AND BRASS
Choose one of the following options, based on your comfort with improvisation. I would rather hear you attempt to improvise, at least a little, than not at all, but the options are there. Use the corresponding backing track.
OPTION 1 - 4 CHORUSES
- Play the head (printed part) for the first chorus
- Improvise for two choruses
- Play the head (printed part) for the fourth chorus
- Play the head (printed part) for the first chorus
- Improvise for one chorus
- Play the head (printed part for the third chorus
- Play the head (printed part) twice (two times through)
- No improv
TIPS:
Make sure you are far enough away from the 'mic' to get a good quality sound. Brass - DO NO point your bell at the camera/phone.
Listen to your recording before you submit to make sure it sounds good. - the AUDIO is the most important part. I cannot assess a poor recording.
RHYTHM SECTION - DRUMS, GUITAR, BASS, PIANO
SEE Options for auditions below.
Audition will be LIVE - after school on Tuesday, October 24
Please plan to stay after school - should not take too long - I expect everyone to be finished by 3:45-4:00.
2023-24 AUDITION MATERIALS
Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba -
1. Series 2 Blues – See options above for 2, 3, or 4* choruses and select the corresponding backing track: * attempt at improvisation is recommended - the 3-chorus options is a shorter improv section. If you do not wish to improvise, choose the 2-chorus option. 2. First marking period scale evaluations and sight-reading evaluations will also be considered. |
Piano & Guitar -
1. Series 2 Blues – Choose Option 1 or 2 OPTION 1 - 3 choruses
|
Bass -
1. Series 2 Blues – Choose Option 1 or 2 OPTION 1 - 3 choruses
|
Drums -
Demonstrate good time, style, fills, and comping for the following:
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