Jazz Ensemble and Combo Auditions
Fall/Spring 2020/2021
**IMPORTANT NOTICE**
Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic and reopening plan for UA all Jazz auditions for ensemble/combos will need to be sent remotely. When the semester begins, all Jazz Ensemble, 2 O’Clock Band, and Combos will meet VIRTUALLY (Remotely) until an assessment period is determined to evaluate the safety of in-person/face-to-face rehearsals can resume. Auditions will therefore need to be recorded by the auditionee and submitted via email to the indicated source under your respective primary instrument.
***The deadline for submissions is Tuesday January 12th by 12:00pm Noon.***
Criteria for recordings – You can use any video recording device i.e. Iphone, Ipad, Laptop. You can use the mic from your device or use an audio interface and mix your final product. Try to make the quality the best that you can with the equipment that you have. You can do as many takes as you like until you are satisfied and want to submit the recording. It is recommended to use a metronome for the excerpts.
Sight reading – Sight Reading will not be required but in the event we are cleared for in-person rehearsals there may be a reassessment of reading skills in the first rehearsal.
Combo Tune selection – If you choose to place in a combo, you can select any tune you like but you must record using a play-along either from an Aebersold or Youtube. The play-along must be audible in the recording. Follow the guidelines for what do below under your respective instrument. If you are unsure of what tune to select, we recommend “There Will Never Be Another You” and the backing track can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO_IEv7SzVM
***For Rhythm section players (guitar, vibes, piano, bass, and drums,) you will not need to use a play-along unless you choose to but follow the directions under your respective instrument.***
In summary the process will be as follows:
- Check Jazz Webpage here for information and excerpts under your primary instrument here: https://jazz.music.ua.edu/jazz-ensemble-and-combo-audition-information/
- Signup for an audition at the following link (also found on the above page): Fall 2020 UA Jazz Ensemble and Combo Audition Registration
- Record your excerpt (and combo piece if you choose to do so) and send to indicated source i.e. UABox link from audition application information. **Important** – The link for the box file will be in your response email after you complete and submit your audition application.
- The results of the placements will be posted on this page by the end of the day on Thursday January 14th.
Any questions can be sent directly to Professor Kozak, Director of Jazz Studies at ckozak@ua.edu
Please prepare the following for your respective instrument. For your audition, please practice the provided excerpt in its entirety.
All Saxophones
- For Jazz Ensemble and 2 O’Clock Band play the provided Excerpt
- For Combos play a prepared standard of your choice (one time through the melody, improvise one chorus without accompaniment.)
- Sight Reading (N/A)
- Contact Professsor Noffsinger (jnoffsin@ua.edu) for any questions.
All Brass
- For Jazz Ensemble and 2 O’Clock Band play the provided Excerpt
- For Combos play a prepared standard of your choice (one time through the melody, improvise one chorus without accompaniment.)
- Sight Reading (N/A)
Guitar/Piano/Vibraphone
- Play the provided Excerpt (melody and then changes)
- Play a prepared standard of your choice (one time through the melody, improvise one chorus, and comp for one chorus)
- Sight Reading (N/A)
Bass
- Play the provided Excerpt
- Play a prepared standard of your choice (one time through the melody, improvise one chorus, and walk for one chorus)
- Sight Reading (N/A)
Drum Set/Percussion
- Play the provided Excerpt (note the tempo and play melody rhythm as written)
- Play several styles in 4 or 8 measure phrases i.e. Bossa, Samba, Up-tempo Bop, Swing, Afro- Cuban, Waltz, 5/4
- Sight Reading (N/A)
Excerpts:
Trumpet (players interested in lead include playing a 2-octave G Major Scale and Bb Major Scale starting in the staff)
Trombone (players interested in lead include playing a 2-octave G Major Scale)
Guitar/Vibes (Play entire piece 2 times, first time read part and second time comp changes)
Piano (Play entire piece 2 times, first time read part and second time comp changes)
Bass (Ignore repeats but play entire piece)
Drum Set (Ignore repeats but play entire piece, you can also choose to play-along with the recording, Letter I begins at the 4:30 mark https://youtu.be/ngWlnJn3Tog?t=255)
If you have any questions, please contact: Professor Chris Kozak, Director of Jazz Studies – ckozak@ua.edu
Thanks and we look forward to hearing you!