PHS Red Raider Jazz Band Audition Guidelines
Auditions are held in the Spring of each year.
For more information, contact Mr. White at 822-6827 or kjwhite@pulaski.k12.wi.us
2010 Red Raider Jazz Band Audition Guidelines
Auditions will be conducted in person with Mr. White on Monday, May 24th. Please sign-up for a time on the sign-up sheet on Mr. White’s door. If there is not a time that will work with your schedule, see Mr. White to arrange a time that will work for you.
I have chosen music that is available on SmartMusic so that you have a “band” to play along with. Don’t worry, I will be listening to you in person and will not be recording you or looking for “red” and “green” notes, so don’t worry about what the computer thinks. It’s just a practice tool and a way to provide accompaniment. I hope it will lead to a more realistic and fair audition process.
To assist in your practice this year, I strongly encourage you to purchase SmartMusic for your home use. It is good for 1 full year, so you will have use of it until next May. I have microphones available for purchase or for rental with a $10 deposit. If you are unable to purchase SmartMusic at this time, the band room will be open by 7am every morning and until at least 3:30pm every afternoon (and of course during school) for you to practice. Band lessons will be winding down, so it shouldn’t be too crowded.
Please audition on your 1st choice instrument, but you may also indicate if you have a second choice. See me if you would like to audition on two different instruments. Saxes, don’t worry about what instrument you THINK you’ll be playing – I want you to audition on your 1st choice and I will determine seating based on your playing. Anyone could end up on any saxophone.
Audition Materials:
1. Prepare your part from Take The “A” Train arr. Baylock (Jazz Ensemble)
Scoring will be based on four things: style (articulation/phrasing), rhythmic accuracy, sound (pitch/tone), and technique (note accuracy, etc) with a possible 10 points each
2. Play an improvised 12-measure solo over the Slow Blues in F in Abersold Vol. 2 (Jazz Improvisation). Rhythm section players should have the changes memorized and be able to “comp” over them, as well. Scoring will be based on three things: jazz style (articulation/phrasing), time/rhythm, and note selection, with a possible 5 points each.
3. Play an improvised 24-measure solo over the Fast Blues in Bb in Abersold Vol. 2 (Jazz Improvisation). Rhythm section players should have the changes memorized and be able to “comp” over them, as well. Scoring will be based on three things: jazz style (articulation/phrasing), time/rhythm, and note selection, with a possible 5 points each.
4. Be prepared to sight-read your part on a medium-tempo swing tune. To practice, read through Jazz Ensemble pieces in the Smart Music Library. Rhythm section players should be able to sight-read notes and chord changes. Scoring will be based on rhythm, style, note accuracy, and tone (5 points each).
5. All saxophones should also prepare the 1st Sax part from Hay Burner (provided) with the recording found on the P: drive (up to letter F).