Music

Jazz Auditions

Big Band Auditions, Spring 2024

If you are planning on playing in an instrumental jazz ensemble this term, you must audition. All CWU jazz ensembles are auditioned groups (this includes all student run jazz ensembles). Auditions will take place in the jazz room Thursday Jan. 4th, & Friday Jan. 5th.

• Saxophone: Friday, March 29 – 1:00-3:00
• Trumpet: Thursday, March 28 – 1:00-3:00
• Trombone: Friday, March 29 – 9:00-11:00
• Rhythm Section: Thursday, March 28 – 5:00-6:00

Horn Players

1. Chromatic Scale from lowest note to highest note on your instrument
2. Play the Melody to “Laird Bird" - Reference recording - Lead Sheet
3. Improvise two choruses of "Db Blues"
4. Lead Trumpet Players Tall Cotton m159-175, 4:55
5. Sight Reading – To be provided on the audition 

Rhythm Section

Rhythm section auditions will be done in sections (piano, bass, drums, guitar). You will be evaluated based on how well you play individually, and how you function as a member of the rhythm section. Particular attention will be given to groove, idiomatic jazz comping styles, and group interaction. Auditions will take roughly one hour. Plan on being available for that entire hour.

Be prepared to play the following styles:

• Medium swing
• Up tempo swing
• Ballad
• Jazz Waltz
• Bossa Nova
• Samba
• Afro Cuban
• Funk

Be prepared to play the following Tunes:

Laird Bird - All members of the rhythm section must play the melody. Drummers should be prepared to play the melody on the drum set (melodic drumming).

• Video Reference
• Lead Sheet

Alice in Wonderland

• Video Reference
• Lead Sheet

What is This Thing Called Love

• Video Reference
• Lead Sheet

Things Ain’t What They Used To Be (Blues in Db)

• Video Reference
• Lead Sheet

You should be prepared to improvise several choruses on each tune.

You will also be asked to sight read.

Combo Auditions

Combo Auditions Combo auditions will be on Thursday Mar. 28th at 11:00 a.m. in the jazz room. Students wishing to play in one of the CWU jazz combos will be asked to play the melody and improvise over one of the following.

Laird Bird

• Video Reference
• Lead Sheet

What is This Thing Called Love

• Video Reference
• Lead Sheet

Vocal Jazz Auditions

Vocal Jazz Ensembles are open to all students

Class times

• Vocal Jazz 1 – MTWF 1:00-1:50 p.m. (Prof. Vijay Singh, Director)
• Vocal Jazz 2 – T/R 3:30-4:50 p.m. (Prof. Vijay Singh, Director)

Auditions will contain

• Vocalizing – test range, vocal flexibility, technique, “chops”
• Ear Training – outline Major/minor scales and triads, augmented, diminished, whole tone & chromatic scales, intervals (If you have not had experience with a lot of these, please tell me and I will move on to the rest of the audition…do your best and be honest!)
• Sight Reading – you will be given a piece to sight read on the spot….I may ask you to sight read different parts (S,A,T,B)….you will get about 15 seconds to prepare, then sight sing the best you can
• Vocal Jazz -Jazz Solo – pick a jazz tune that you can sing in jazz style (swing, bebop, ballad, etc.); Examples – something from a fake book, jazz standard, etc……no pop tunes, art songs, or arias please! Bring the lead sheet w/you to the audition, preferably transposed if needed…….you may bring your own accompanist if preferred.

I am listening for your technical skills, looking for your entertainment skills as a performer, and seeking your character & commitment……..good luck!

Auditions

Vocal Jazz auditions are held at the beginning of fall quarter. If you would like to audition at another time please contact Prof. Singh.

Callbacks

If necessary, callbacks/sing-offs will be announced and will focus on sight reading ability and improv skills.

Additional Information

Vocal Jazz 1 is a year- long commitment (F/W/S quarters) and their VJ1 retreat is Oct. 1st Saturday from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. (Mandatory.) Sign up days/times are posted on Prof. Singh’s office door!