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2024/25 Jazz Band Audition Information

Below is information regarding Jazz Band auditions for the 2024/2025 school year.

 The philosophy of WHS Jazz is that there is a place for students of all skill levels within our jazz program. 
WHS Jazz accepts all students - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!  NO CUTS!

​Auditions are simply required for placement into a WHS Jazz Ensemble.

AUDITION TIMES:
Click HERE to sign up for an audition time!

AUDITION DATES
All Winds - Monday, November 18th
All Rhythm Section: Tuesday, November 19th
​
Results: No later than Friday, December 2nd

We will hold an organizational meeting the week of Monday, December 16th.
​A full rehearsal and performance schedule will be distributed at the December meeting. 

​**The number of jazz ensembles will be determined by instrumentation and the number of students auditioning.**

WIND AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
(FLUTE, SAXOPHONES, TRUMPETS, TROMBONES)
1. Chromatic Scale:
  • Students should perform ONE chromatic scale of their choosing that represents their personal full range on their instrument.
  • The scale, by design, should be performed in multiple octaves.
  • Scale can be performed at any speed/rhythm
2. Etudes:
  • All students are required to play all of "WHS Jazz Audition Etude - Cycle 2"
  • Students are encouraged to perform the etude as close to the marked tempo as possible​​
ETUDES
3. Improv (optional):
  • Students wishing to be considered for Jazz I MUST attempt this portion of the audition.
  • All students are required to play one (1) 12-bar improv over an F-Blues track.
  • Please use the "Changes" document to help you secure the changes in the recording.
  • Use the "Scale/Improv Guide" to assist you in developing thoughtful melodies!​​
Blues Scales/Improv Guide
Improv Changes
Improv backing track

RHYTHM SECTION AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
(Piano, Guitar, Bass, Vibraphone, Drum Set)
1. Etudes:
  • All students are required to play all of "WHS Jazz Audition Etude - Cycle 2"​
  • Students must demonstrate appropriate style and comping techniques
  • Students are encouraged to perform the etude as close to the marked tempo as possible​​
Bass Players: Do NOT use this link
ETUDES
Bass Etude
2. Improv (optional for all BUT drum-set):
  • Students wishing to be considered for Jazz I MUST attempt this portion of the audition.
    • ​Drum-set students are exempt from the improv portion.
  • All students are required to play one (1) 12-bar improv over an F-Blues track.
  • Please use the "Changes" document to help you secure the changes in the recording.
  • Use the "Scale/Improv Guide" to assist you in developing thoughtful melodies!​​
Blues Scales/Improv Guide
Improv changes
improv backing track
3. Grooves (Drum-set ONLY):
  • Along with the etude above, all drum-set auditionees must demonstrate rhythmic and "groove" competency by performing each musical style below for 20-30 seconds
Moderate/Fast Swing
shuffle
Funk
samba

Copyright © 2024 Westfield High School Bands
  • Home
  • About
    • Why Continue With Band
    • Student Honors
  • Ensembles
    • Concert Bands >
      • About
      • Concert Members Area
      • Instrument Upgrades/Private Teachers
    • Marching Blue Devils >
      • About
      • WHSMB Member Area
    • Color Guard >
      • Color Guard Member Area
  • Leadership
    • Directors/Staff
    • Student Leaders
    • Parent Association
  • New Members
  • Resources
  • Marching Band Registration