2008-2009 Jazz Ensemble Auditions

     Thank you for auditioning for the 2008-2009 Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Jazz Ensemble. Below is listed what students need to prepare for the audition and what to expect. Please study this information so that you are as prepared as possible. Also be aware that as you prepare your audition material, you may find it challenging and difficult. Please do not let this discourage you. Obviously, if you can play everything, you will have a better chance, but it is always possible that everyone will have a hard time with certain aspects of the audition. Prepare the selections to the best of your ability.

     Trumpet and trombone range is important for jazz band, but it is not everything. If you are not capable of playing the highest written notes on the prepared music, you may choose to play them down an octave if necessary.

Requirements for the Audition:

1. Prepared piece 1: "Father Song" in bossa nova style by Jim Snidero. Prepare only chorus 1 and 2 of the excerpt. (chorus 3 not needed.) Be conscious of rhythms, articulations, tempo, dynamics and style.
    
2. Prepared piece 2: "Shades On, Roof Down" in a swing funk style by Eric Richards. Prepare only up to the solo break which is at M. 71. Be conscious of rhythms, articulations, tempo, dynamics and style.
    
3. Play the song "Slow Blues in G" from Volume 2, Nothing But the Blues by Jamey Aebersold. All instrumental parts except drums should prepare the melody. Improvisation is optional. If you're uncomfortable with improvising, no penalty will be assessed.
    
4. All players, except drums, will need to perform a major scale of your choice, that contains at least two sharps or two flats, and a chromatic scale to demonstrate range and tone quality.
    
5. A short sight reading excerpt will be required of all students auditioning.
    
6. Percussionists will be asked to demonstrate various styles of drum set playing such as swing, shuffle, funk, bossa nova, and other Latin rhythms. The performer will be asked to play four measures of regular time keeping, followed by a two to four measure break of a drum fill (solo), and then followed by time keeping. In addition, please bring brushes to demonstrate this technique.

     Enclosed in this packet are the prepared selections and the music needed for improvisation. A CD recording of samples of the prepared pieces is available on the B-CC website on the music department webpage (see link at bottom of this page). Posted on the Band Room door will be a date and time for students to sign up for the audition. Auditions will take place during the week of May 27 - June 3. Times will be during lunch and after school for approximately ten minutes each. If other times are needed, please see me to schedule individual times. Again, thank you for your interest in the jazz band and Good Luck!

Mr. White
B-CC Music
 

2008-2009 Jazz Band Auditions Music Selections