Jazz Band Auditions
Auditions for Fall 2021 jazz bands are approaching! You will know your result when you receive your projected classes for next year either from your guidance counselor or your O.P. teacher. You should see Mr. Blancq asap to confirm the accuracy of your scheduled classes. Check back here for further details.
Possible Instruments for Jazz Audition*
REEDS - flute, clarinet, soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxes
Multiple instruments are encouraged but not required.
BRASS - french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba
RHYTHM - vibes, guitar, piano, acoustic bass, drum set (see bottom of page)
First Requirement (except drummers)
All candidates must do the following: (drummers see bottom of page)
1. Select TWO contrasting tunes from the list below and perform them from memory (this includes melody and improvisation) with an iRealbook track (or other similar backing track) on your phone. Your backing track should not contain any instruments playing the melody. If needed, Mr. Blancq will play your track from his iRealbook. Please know your tempo.
2. Play requested Major & minor scales and arpeggios.
3. Sight-Read big band parts
Second Requirement (except drummers)
RHYTHM SECTION in addition to the above, students must also prepare the following:
PIANO/GUITAR/VIBES are required to comp the chord progressions of your selected tunes, and comp while sight-reading changes.
BASS players are required to walk lines on their selected tunes as well as walk lines while sight-reading chord changes.
Possible Instruments for Jazz Audition*
REEDS - flute, clarinet, soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxes
Multiple instruments are encouraged but not required.
BRASS - french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba
RHYTHM - vibes, guitar, piano, acoustic bass, drum set (see bottom of page)
First Requirement (except drummers)
All candidates must do the following: (drummers see bottom of page)
1. Select TWO contrasting tunes from the list below and perform them from memory (this includes melody and improvisation) with an iRealbook track (or other similar backing track) on your phone. Your backing track should not contain any instruments playing the melody. If needed, Mr. Blancq will play your track from his iRealbook. Please know your tempo.
2. Play requested Major & minor scales and arpeggios.
3. Sight-Read big band parts
Second Requirement (except drummers)
RHYTHM SECTION in addition to the above, students must also prepare the following:
PIANO/GUITAR/VIBES are required to comp the chord progressions of your selected tunes, and comp while sight-reading changes.
BASS players are required to walk lines on their selected tunes as well as walk lines while sight-reading chord changes.
Drummers Only (no backing tracks needed)
Perform the following grooves at various tempos: swing, ballad, funk/rock, afro-latin, bossa nova, samba, and odd meter. Please be prepared to trade 4s with yourself on a rhythm changes or a blues and retain the form. You will also be asked to sight-read a big band drum part.
Perform the following grooves at various tempos: swing, ballad, funk/rock, afro-latin, bossa nova, samba, and odd meter. Please be prepared to trade 4s with yourself on a rhythm changes or a blues and retain the form. You will also be asked to sight-read a big band drum part.
Choosing Audition Tunes (except drummers)
You are required to select two contrasting tunes from the list below. To start, you may want to select more than two so you have options and can make an informed decision after working on them. Always select tunes that best demonstrate your musical strengths. It's always better to choose an easier tune and sound great than a difficult one and be struggling. Please be prepared to improvise multiple choruses and be sure to bring your backing tracks (iRealBook, Aebersold, etc.) on your phone to your audition. Help expedite auditions by having your tempo and key already set before you come in to play.
Sample Big Band Guitar Parts for practice
|
|
|
|
100 Must Know Tune List.pdf |