Corona del Sol Jazz Auditions!

Interested in learning about jazz and participating in a jazz big band or small ensemble (combo)?   We will offer several opportunities for students auditioning, including a jazz big band (or two) with standard instrumentation, and small ensembles (also called jazz combos) where the instrumentation can vary.

What’s the difference between these types of groups?

Both types of groups are great experiences and neither type is “better” – all students will be taught about jazz and learn many types of music (swing, rock, funk, latin, bossa, samba, etc)

Members auditioning for jazz must meet a few requirements… here they are:

Wind players/Drummers/Percussionists:

ρMust be enrolled in a Band or Percussion class in the 2nd semester

ρMust complete an audition

oWoodwinds: Tuesday, November 17 (sign up for a time on the Band Room Door)

oBrass: Wednesday, November 18 (sign up for a time on the Band Room Door)

oRhythm: Thursday, November 19 (sign up for a time on the Band Room Door)

ρAll players must be able to read and perform from sheet music (standard notation)

ρRealize that the because of the number of people auditioning, some students may not be placed in a jazz ensemble this year, but may be given comments to improve upon for the following year’s audition.

Piano/Guitar/Bass Players:

ρAll players must be able to read and perform from sheet music (standard notation)

ρMust complete an audition

oThursday, November 19 (sign up for a time on the Band Room Door)

ρRealize that the because of the number of people auditioning, some students may not be placed in a jazz ensemble this year, but may be given comments to improve upon for the following year’s audition.

Frequently Asked Questions

ρWhen will the groups rehearse?

The Jazz Big Band(s) will rehearse 2 days a week after school once marching season is over.  First rehearsal date will be announced following audition results.

The Jazz Combos will rehearse before or after school at least once a week once marching season is over.  Combos will get together following audition results to pick a day/time to meet that works for all members.  As the combos are smaller, the times will be more flexible.

ρWill everyone make it into a jazz group?

Most students auditioning will be placed in an ensemble.  However, if a student does not meet basic skills in the audition (i.e. – not knowing the scales for the audition, not being able to play the audition etude, not able to produce characteristic tones on their instrument, etc.), the student will be given information on what to work on and encouraged to audition for the following year.  It would not be fair to any group to have 4 students doing well and 1 struggling with basic skills.

ρCan I be a part of a combo AND a big band?

Possibly.  If your schedule is open enough to do both, and you have the desire and ability, then doing both groups is possible.  Please note that if you want to be a featured soloist in the big band, doing a combo would be a good way to develop your improvisation skills.  Rhythm players can also gain a lot of experience doing combos that helps their big band playing.  Due to instrumentation and scheduling concerns, some students may only be selected to do one group only (even if they are very talented) in order to give other students a chance to participate in an ensemble.

ρWhere are the play-a-long tracks so I can practice at home?

The audition piece (which is different for different sections) is available on Mr. DuPlessis’ website: http://staff.tuhsd.k12.az.us/dduplessis/   Click on the “Class” link at the top to download the different mp3 files (you can also download PDF files of the music in case you lose yours). 

ρWhen will the jazz groups play?

Some jazz groups may perform at the December 8 concert, but all will play in the second semester at band/percussion concerts.  Some groups may be selected to perform at “gigs” at different venues in the area.  Some groups may also perform at jazz festivals like the Highland Jazz Festival or the State Jazz Festival.

Audition Materials

Woodwinds/Brass/Vibes/Violins/Guitar:

Play scales from memory – up to 3 sharps and 3 flats on your instrument (2 octaves where appropriate).  I will select 2 scales at random for you to play in the audition.

“My Little Suede Shoes” by Charlie Parker

Play the melody as written (with repeats/endings).  Note the style changes: the “A” and “C” sections are in a latin groove (straight eighth notes), and the “B” section (BRIDGE) is in a swing groove (so use swing eighth notes in this section).  It is easier to perform when you practice with the recording on the website. 

NOTE: Use the sheet music that uses your transposition.  At the top of each part, there is a black circle that has either a treble clef, Bb, Eb, and bass clef.  Guitars, Flutes, violins, and other C instruments would use a treble part.  Trumpets, Tenor Saxes, Clarinets and other Bb instruments would use a Bb part.  Alto and Bari Saxes would use an Eb part.  Trombones and other bass clef instruments would use a bass part.  GUITAR ONLY: 2nd time around on the song, “comp” the chord changes.  Use straight quarter notes (4 per bar) with a muted sound.  Listen to Freddie Green for style! (and know your chords!)

Piano

Play scales from memory – all major scales (2 octaves for all).  I will select 3 scales at random for you to play in the audition.

“Simple Piano Voicings for Blues” – Perform #1, #2, and #6 with music (practice with the recordings online).  You can also vary the rhythms on these exercises to show your “comping” skills.  Listen to the recordings for ideas.

Bass

Play major scales from memory – up to 3 sharps and 3 flats (1 octave).  I will select 2 scales at random for you to play in the audition.

“Bass Line Construction” – Read the information at the top of the page before the audition, and perform all the music on the page.  Practice with the recording to achieve solid tempo and accuracy.  Note that the recordings will have different bass lines than you may be performing.  You can slide the channel left or right to get rid of the bass on the recording so you can just play with the drums.

Drums

“Groove 18 Slow” – Play the swing pattern on the groove 18 slow sheet.  Make sure you can play the basic groove at the top of the page first.  Once you are confident and steady with the pulse, feel free to add snare/bass “comping motifs” (any combination of them – be creative but steady and light with the touch).  Play the first ending as written and improvise a solo (in tempo) where it says “solo” for 4 bars.  Repeat to the top.  SWING!

Drum Play-a-long                Winds/Guitar                    Bass                    Piano (Bb blues)          Piano (F Blues)