Students do not need to audition for Jazz Band/Wind Ensemble. Sixth Grade Students will start the year in Jaza Band 2 each Monday monring. Arrive at 7:00 and we will begin at 7:05. After the fall concert, we will move into the jazz band.
Jazz Band/Wind Ensemble practices Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Arrive at 7:00 and we will begin at 7:05.
- Scales—play as many scales as you can play in two minutes or less. Start with one octave major scales. For some trombone players that may be one scale—for alto sax and piano players, that may be all of the major scales or somewhere in between.
- Chameleon—two minutes or less of your best playing
- The Duke—two minutes or less of your best playing
- Current jazz band students have one additional requirement below.
- Drummers—be ready to demonstrate that you can play the following beats with appropriate fills:Rock, Swing, Latin.
- Piano players should also be prepared to play two minutes or less of the most difficult classical piece that they have polished and can play cleanly.
- If you have something else that shows off your best playing you will have an opportunity to submit that as well—For example if Chameleon and The Duke are too difficult to play, you can submit your best song from your band lesson book.
Current Jazz Band Students should learn three songs from this list and record one. Play the melody once and play a variation or improvisation on the melody the second time. If that is difficult, try playing a rhythm that matches the play along track on the roots—the letter of the chord symbol written above the measure.
Afternoon In Paris, All The Things You Are, Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, Blue Monk, Now’s The Time, Oleo, Straight No Chaser, Take The A Train,
There Will Never Be Another You
Please find links to the real book below.
https://www.swiss-jazz.ch/partitions-real-book.htm www.shedthemusic.com/repertoire/
If you want feedback before the auditions, email your best two minutes of music—choose from the audition requirements. This way you know I will get to hear your best playing. No, it does not have to be exactly two minutes. You can send them as separate files or one file. You will find it easiest to email a link to something you save on YouTube or save to the cloud because the files are large. Send to [email protected]
Every year there are good players who do not make the band because they are too intimidated to audition. Because of the high level of many of the players, the music has to be challenging. You get better at auditioning by taking auditions. Trumpet and trombone players, don’t be scared—learn as much as you can—show up and play.
If you commit to preparing well, it will be a positive experience.
A few helpful hints for auditions--
- Slow and clean is better than fast and sloppy. Fast and clean is best.
- Play every mark on the page.
- Play with your best sound. Blow!
- Subdivide and practice with a metronome. Practice with a tuner. Smart Music has them!
- Keep going if you make a mistake during the audition.
- Know your scales—learn them now, not in September.
- We do this because it is fun. Enjoy this great music. Call Mr. Bonnell if you need help finding a private teacher. Almost every player in the jazz band takes private lessons.
- Get Smart Music, it will change your life! www.smartmusic.com
The success of the ensemble depends on the participation of each individual. However, because we can depend upon one another, the result is extraordinary.
Mr. Bonnell 484-927-5234 [email protected]
Web Page
https://pams.pasd.com/cms/one.aspx?portalId=435560&pageId=1185392