As many of you have seen, Jazz Band is back and auditions are upon us! I'm so excited to enter this season with new ideas and fresh experiences for everyone. In this newsletter you'll find information regarding auditions in terms of format, required materials, and other tips for having a successful audition. Please review the material and let me know if you have any questions!

Thanks,

Mr. Shupe

Please sign up for a time slot by clicking the icon or by using the link above!

Instructions:

• Please sign up for 1 time slot and be sure to list the instrument you are auditioning on.
• If you are auditioning on multiple instruments you will need to sign up for separate time slots for each instrument.
• Be prompt and at least 10 minutes early to your time slot so that the auditions can be run smoothly! This also helps to ensure you are comfortable and not feeling rushed.

Auditions will consist of the following:

Winds

1. Concert Bb Blues Scale (2-Octaves Preferred/Swing 8th notes Required)
2. Concert F Blues Scale (2-Octaves Preferred/Swing 8th notes Required)
3. Chromatic Scale (Range as large as comfortable/clean)
4. Concert Bb Blues Melody+Improvisation Play-a-long (Kenny'll Make It)

Drums

1. MOAJE All State Drum Patterns (Able to play Any 2 asked)
2. Kenny'll Make It Performance/Improvisation (With Play-A-Long Track)

• Melody
• Chorus 1 = Comping/Follow (Playing accompaniment based material to follow the back track while someone plays the melody.
• Chorus 2 = Improvised Solo

Piano/Vibraphone

Similar to winds, with the addition of the comping in the melody portion.

1. Concert Bb Blues Scale (2-Octaves Preferred/Swing 8th notes Required)
2. Concert F Blues Scale (2-Octaves Preferred/Swing 8th notes Required)
3. Chromatic Scale (Range as large as comfortable/clean)
4. Kenny'll Make it (With Play-A-Long Track)

• Melody
• Chorus 1 = Comping/Follow
• Chorus 2 = Improvised Solo

Guitar

1. Concert Bb Blues Scale (2-Octaves Preferred/Swing 8th notes Required)
2. Concert F Blues Scale (2-Octaves Preferred/Swing 8th notes Required)
3. Chromatic Scale (Range as large as comfortable/clean)
4. Kenny'll Make It Performance/Improvisation (With Play-A-Long Track)

• Melody
• Chorus 1 = Melody/Comping/Follow
• Chorus 2 = Improvised Solo

Bass Guitar

1. Concert Bb Blues Scale (2-Octaves Preferred/Swing 8th notes Required)
2. Concert F Blues Scale (2-Octaves Preferred/Swing 8th notes Required)
3. Chromatic Scale (Range as large as comfortable/clean)
4. Kenny'll Make It Performance/Improvisation (With Play-A-Long Track)

• Melody
• Chorus 1 = Walking Bass or Melody/Comp (a walk will likely need to be written!)
• Chorus 2 = Improvised Solo

For your audition, we have provided both play-along tracks and demonstration tracks to assist you in preparing for the performance of "Satin Doll."

Kenny'll Make It Performance

1. Melody (HEAD) or Comping (instrument specific)
2. Improvisation (Minimum 1 Chorus/Optional Ending)
3. Improvisation (Chorus 2 Optional)

Improvisation isn't necessarily required, but strongly increases your chance of placement in the various ensembles, as well as chair placement!

• While we encourage musicians to audition on their primary instruments, we understand that some non-standard instruments may have the skills and versatility to switch to more common jazz band instruments.
• If you are a musician playing a non-standard instrument (e.g., flute/clarinet), and the judges believe that your skills align with the needs of the ensemble for competition, you may be asked to consider switching to a more traditional jazz band instrument (e.g., alto saxophone, tenor saxophone) for placement within one of the Jazz Bands.
• Instrument switching will be discussed on a case-by-case basis with the musician, and directors will provide guidance and support throughout this process.

In addition to the digital versions below, copies of the Audition Materials can be found in the RPHS Band and NGC Band Room. Each instrument must perform the prescribed materials for this audition cycle, so please make sure you grab the correct one!

Students should plan ahead and begin preparation as soon as possible. The more preparation that you put into an audition the more comfortable you will be in your audition!

Please don't hesitate to reach out to Mr. Shupe if you have any questions about the materials!