Jazz Ensemble Audition Information

Jazz Ensemble Audition Information

Jazz Auditions

Pick up materials in Bicknell rehearsal hall or outside Mr. Kehle’s door (317 McCray) 
Beginning Thursday one week before school begins.

Every year we re-audition the jazz ensembles -- which include new personnel and returning members. No one is guaranteed a chair, as all positions are up for grabs. If you’re interested then read on.

The auditions are optional, however we need everyone to come see me or leave me a note if you’re interested in playing, even if you are taking the audition. This is vital. My office is Room 317 McCray Hall, my phone is 620/235-4474, and my email is: (rkehle@pittstate.edu) or leave a message in my music office mail box. Please check with your friends to pass the information along. I strongly encourage everybody to audition. The audition is good experience and helps us plan the bands better.

The jazz audition will consist of the following (except jazz drummers):

  1. Concert Bb blues scale as indicated for your instrument below:

                        Bb Db  Eb E    F Ab   Bb            (Trombones, rhythm only)

                        G  Bb  C  C#  D  F    G              (Altos and Baris. only)

                        C  Eb  F   F#  G  Bb  C              (Tenors and Trumpets only)

                        These are the notes of the scale you are to play, it is only one scale.

  1. Prepared piece. Pick this up from my door (McCray Hall Room 317) or Bicknell Rehearsal Hall. The piece will be ready on Thursday, the week before classes.
  2. Sight-reading
  3. Optionalimprovisation on a Bb blues. (Aebersold vol. 1)

Bass players – I prefer players that can read changes (i.e. c7 d-7) and written parts.

Guitar players – must read changes (i.e. c7 d-7).

Piano - I prefer players that can read changes (i.e. c7 d-7) and written parts.

Drummers (jazz): Play like you are in a big band.

 

Keeping time as marked below:

 

 

1

Quarter

=

120

4/4 Swing feel for

12 bars

2

Half

=

90

4/4 Swing feel for

8 bars

3

Quarter

=

90

4/4 Rock feel for

8 bars

4

Dotted Half

=

90

3/4 Jazz Waltz feel for

8 bars

5

Quarter

=

120

4/4 Any Latin feel for

12 bars

6

Quarter

=

60

4/4 Swing Ballad (w/brushes) feel for

12 bars

7

15 Second Swing Improvised Solo

 

8

Possible Sight Reading

 

 

The rehearsal schedule is MWF at 1:00. Combo will be either at jazz lab time TTh 2:00 or TBA

Concert dress: Suit for men, hard shoes and a long tie. Women wear a nice dress or pants suit.

Auditions will be the first week of class.

Those with conflicts can do the audition on Wednesday at 1:00 or Thursday at 2:00 the 1stweek of classes. Let me know!

*If you have a conflict or problem with the audition please see the jazz instructor.

Results will be posted on the jazz board in the McCray east 2nd floor hallway late on Friday of the first week of classes

Rehearsals begin the second week of classes.

 

Robert Kehle

Director of Jazz Studies

rkehle@pittstate.edu