Auditions are required of anyone wishing to obtain the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. For further information on the entrance admission process, see admission procedures. The audition material below may also be used for your jazz entrance auditions.

Ensemble auditions (big band, combo, or vocal jazz*) are a separate process, and are typically held the first two days of class each semester. Sign-up times will be posted on Mr. Ishii's door (Fine Arts Bldg. 367H) several days before the audition dates.

For Fall 2008 Jazz Bands and Combos, auditions will be on Monday, August 25 and Tuesday, August 26, 2008.

Instrumental auditions consist of several elements. Chordal instruments (Guitar, Vibes, Piano), be prepared to also comp through the changes of the below standards. (Vocalists, Bassists and Drummers, see below):

1. Sight Reading
   
   
2. Scales - all scales should be performed full range
   • Incoming Freshmen: Major scales in all 12 keys
   • Sophomores: Same as freshman plus natural, melodic, and harmonic minor scales in 12 keys
   • Juniors: Same as sophomores plus bebop scales in 12 keys
   • Seniors and Graduate Students: Same as juniors plus pentatonic scales in 12 keys
3. Prepared material.You will be asked to perform an excerpt from Hank Mobley's solo on "Crazeology" (mm. 180-220+). This excerpt should be performed and interpreted in a bebop style.
   • Download and print a PDF for your instrument: Concert Pitch Treble Clef [piano, guitar, vibes, voice] - Concert Pitch Bass Clef [trombone, bass] - Saxophones [alto sax, tenor sax, bari sax] - Trumpet.
4. Improvisation. You will be asked to improvise over a blues as well as one standard from the following list, accompanied by a Jamey Aebersold recording. The jazz studies director(s) will choose the tune from the following list:
   • Bye Bye Blackbird
   • All the Things You Are
   • I've Got Rhythm (rhythm changes in Bb)
   • Autumn Leaves
   • Blue Bossa
   • What Is This Thing Called Love
   • Someday My Prince Will Come
   • Confirmation

Bassists: We would like you to demonstrate walking over changes to the blues as well as changes to a standard (we will provide at the audition). Also, be prepared to demonstrate a 2-beat feel, Bossa Nova, Samba, and Funk. You should also prepare the items in #3 above.

Drummers: We would like you to demonstrate the following feels:

• Medium swing (sticks and brushes)
• Fast swing (sticks and brushes)
• Bosssa Nova
• Samba
• Funk
• Ballad (w/ brushes)
• 2-beat
• 12/8 Afro-Cuban

In addition, you will be asked to sight-read big-band style charts and demonstrate your ability to set-up figures and play the chart. You will also be asked to trade 8s with yourself (i.e., 8 bars of time, 8 bars of soloing, etc).

Vocalists wishing to perform in a combo and/or big band: Please be able to perform the items in 1-4 above. Also, come prepared to sing a jazz standard either with or without accompaniment.

* Auditions for the Vocal Jazz Ensemble are held on the first day the ensemble meets each semester, but solely to determine voice part and improvisation experience. Jazz experience is not necessary, but prior singing experience is encouraged! Contact the director for more information.