Jazz Ensemble Auditions2023-24 Academic Year

Students interested in participating in a large jazz ensemble and/or combo should check-in for their audition outside of room 103 (Organ Studio) in the Music Building.

Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute, Trumpet, Trombone, Jazz Guitar, and Jazz Mallet auditions include:

• Bb and F major scales
• sight-reading
• a prepared etude (downloadable below!)
• optional – improvisation over a Blues or standard tune of your choice
• Saxophonists are encouraged to indicate doubling abilities on flute, clarinet, and bass clarinet

Rhythm Section (piano, bass, and drum set) auditions include:

• demonstration of swing, latin, and rock/funk grooves
• interaction with other rhythm section members (returning students only)
• prepared etude (the jazz standard Autumn Leaves by Joseph Kosma). A lead sheet can be found in The Real Book, Vol. 1 available in the Bookmark or on Amazon. Special attention should be paid to playing the melody, comping chord changes or walking bass lines, and marking the tune’s form.
• optional – improvisation over a Blues or standard tune of your choice

Vocal Lead (no vocal jazz ensemble in Fall of 2023) auditions include:

• two contrasting prepared songs from the Great American Songbook (doesn't have to be from the actual book - just standard jazz repertoire)
• a brief interview regarding your past experience fronting an ensemble

Etude and Audition Form

• The 2023/24 Jazz Ensemble (instrumental) audition etude can be accessed with your Gustavus email address here. A playalong backing track is also included in the folder.
• Returning students can signup for their audition time here. First year students should contact Ms. Nikki Kriha for a jazz audition time (nkriha@gustavus.edu).
• Please complete this Audition Form before showing up to your audition.