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About

Jazz Band is a select instrumental ensemble, composed of up to 25 students who generally have at least 2-3 years of experience on the saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, electric guitar, bass guitar, or drums. Students delve into jazz improvisation and a variety of different styles such as swing, blues, shuffles, Latin, fusion, and rock/funk. Students get personal instruction primarily in aspects of tone, instrumental technique, and styles respective to their instruments. Participation in dress rehearsals and performances outside the school day is required. Participation in special projects such as recordings, tours, and competitions may also be included.  Students must supply their instruments except for drums, and keyboards; amplifiers are provided by the school.


Register here

Submission Process

DUE MONDAY, MAY 12
The audition is comprised of a written element and video submission including - 

    1. Scales (your choice) and excerpts (listed below) for the instrument you are        auditioning on an improvised chart, where you will play the head once, solo once, and finish with the head
    2. Description of yourself as a musician, including:
     - What music do you like?
     - Favorite artist who plays your instrument?
     - What other instruments do you play?
     - Music you want to play in Jazz Band?

All Instruments

  • Blue Bossa - play the head, improvise second time through, play through the head again
     
  • Alto Sax - two scales, two excerpts
    Excerpt 1 - "Amor Y Sueños", mm.1-16
    Excerpt 2 - "Kick in The Head", mm.69-end
     
  • Tenor Sax - two scales, two excerpts
    Excerpt 1 - "Amor Y Sueños", mm.1-16
    Excerpt 2 - "Kick in The Head", mm.69-end
     
  • Baritone Sax - two scales, two excerpts
    Excerpt 1 - "Amor Y Sueños", mm.1-16
    Excerpt 2 - "Kick in The Head", mm.69-end
     
  • Trumpet - two scales, two excerpts (scales MUST show the highest range of playing ability)
    Excerpt 1 - "Fables of Faubus", mm. 28-46
    Excerpt 2 - "Opening Night", mm. 5-13, 108-119
     
  • Trombone - two scales, two excerpts (scales MUST show highest range of playing ability)
    Excerpt 1 - "Star Wars Mvt. I", mm. 27-45
    Excerpt 2 - "Star Wars Mvt. III", mm. 1-13
     
  • Guitar - three scales, two excerpts (scales must show the full range of guitar) 
    Excerpt 1 - "When The Streetlamps Light", mm. 51-67
    Excerpt 2 - "Amor Y Sueños", mm. 214-end
     
  • Piano - three scales, two excerpts (scales must be full range of piano)
    Excerpt 1 - "Amor Y Sueños", mm. 1-23
    Excerpt 2 - "When The Streetlamps Light", mm. 1-13
     
  • Bass - three scales, two excerpts (scales must be full range of bass)
    Excerpt 1 - "Fables of Faubus", mm. 46-62
    Excerpt 2 - "Amor Y Sueños", mm. 81-94
     
  • Percussion - two rudiments, two excerpts 
    Excerpt 1 - "Amor Y Sueños", mm. 1-16
    Excerpt 2 - "St. Thomas", mm. 1-16
     

JAZZ EXCERPTS

Questions?

Contact Mr. Hamilton: hamiltonc@ensworth.com

Jazz Band

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Ensworth Jazz Band