Auditions are required of anyone wishing to obtain the Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies or for membership in any of the jazz ensembles (big band, combo, or vocal jazz*). Ensemble auditions are typically held two days before classes for fall semester, and the first two days of class for spring semester. Sign-up times will be posted on Mr. Ishii's door (Fine Arts Bldg. 367H) several days before the audition dates. For further information on the admission process, see admission procedures.

For Spring 2008 Ensembles, auditions will be on Monday, January 14 and Tuesday, January 15, 2008.

The audition material below may also be used for your jazz entrance auditions.

Instrumental auditions consist of several elements. Chordal instruments (Guitar, Vibes, Piano), be prepared to also comp through the changes of the below standards. (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 Cannonball Adderly's solo on "Wabash" (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] - Eb Instruments [alto sax, bari sax] - Bb Instruments [trumpet, tenor sax].
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).

* 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.