Jazz Band Auditions for 2020-2021 school year

Placement auditions for the 2020-2021 Robert Eagle Staff Middle School Jazz Bands are now LIVE! Auditions will be held virtually, with video submissions due by Tuesday September 8th @ 11:59PM. Please note that the information below only applies for the Jazz I audition. Students who do not successfully audition into Jazz I will automatically be placed in Jazz II. Students can also opt-in directly for Jazz II; no audition required. Please read the information below carefully:

 

INSTRUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

For Jazz I (standard big band instrumentation):
- Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Piano, String Bass, Percussion

For Jazz II:

- All band instruments, Guitar, Piano, String Bass


AUDITION MATERIALS
https://seattleschools-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/jcaguilar_seattleschools_org/El4m0uqy32RLjZkSEIkl1wcB5RUgf-ANnsYlJxVWF3tGuw?e=dew9Ck

 

SIGN-UP FORM
https://forms.gle/AuED86adbcfh4mZS8

*NOTE: If your student is signing up for Jazz II, please select the “Jazz II” option on the Google Form above.

PREPARED EXCERPTS

Please note that memorization of these excerpts is NOT REQUIRED. Students are welcome to read off of their sheet during the audition video and can annotate the sheet music to their advantage. Students must pay close attention to note/rhythm accuracy, tempo markings, articulations, dynamics, and other musical markings/inferences.

 

1. Major Blues Scales

For Woodwinds/Brass/Rhythm Section:

  • Perform each of the scales at no less than 100 bpm

 

2. Rhythm Figures

For Woodwinds/Brass/Guitar/Piano/Bass:

  • Perform each of the 4 figures at no less than 100 bpm on a concert Bb pitch

  • Pay close attention to the written articulations and how it affects the note lengths, releases, and attacks

  • Pay close attention to the stylistic markings above each figure (straight vs. swing)

For Drumset:

  • Perform each of the 3 figures at no less than 100 bpm

  • Pay close attention to the stylistic markings above each figure (rock vs. bossa vs. swing)

  • Add fills at the end of each figure that are appropriate for the marked styles

 

3. Jazz Standard Excerpt (What Am I Here For? – Duke Ellington)

For Woodwinds/Brass/Bass:

  • Perform the excerpt with accompanying backtrack

  • Students are free to add embellishments to the melody/rhythms and add interpretive articulations (-, ., >, ^) that are appropriate to the “swing” style and chord changes

  • Students are free to improvise measures C to the end – NOT REQUIRED. Points will not be deducted for not improvising. Students who choose to improvise will be considered for part placement that includes the most solo opportunities

For Guitar/Piano/Drumset:

  • Perform the excerpt with accompanying backtrack

  • Perform the excerpt in a “comping” style – play the written chords using appropriate rhythms and countermelodies that support the melody line

  • Piano players only: DO NOT play the melody on the right hand. It is there for reference only. Perform the chords of the piece in a “comping” style that supports the melody line (listen to the piano part on the backtrack for reference on comping)

  • Drumset players only: The cued rhythms are the reference for the melody. DO NOT play the cued rhythms as is. Perform a steady swing groove that compliments and supports the melody’s rhythms

 

CLASS SCHEDULES/COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
As of today, the class schedule for both ensembles is still in the works. Traditionally, Jazz I has been a “zero-period” class and Jazz II has been a zero period or after-school class. Mr. Aguilar will be in contact as soon as he finds out whether there will be changes to this format or not. Listed below is the traditional course description for both ensembles:

JAZZ BAND I/II are ensembles based on the learning of the genre of Jazz in a Big Band setting. The groups rehearse before/after school and is open to all students in grades 6-8 who have had a minimum of 1 year’s worth (or the equivalent) of traditional band experience – audition required for Jazz I, no audition required for Jazz II. Students will learn the concepts of jazz through listening, transcribing, improvising, and playing literature that includes swing, blues, latin, and funk. Jazz Band is a full year class and will perform at several concerts and festivals.

Best of luck and GO RAVENS!