2025/26 Jazz Band Audition Information
Below is information regarding Jazz Band auditions for the 2025/2026 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.
INTERESTED STUDENTS MUST BE ENROLLED IN A MUSIC CLASS/ENSEMBLE!
AUDITION TIMES:
Click HERE to sign up for an audition time!
Students interested in performing on an instrument in the same family (ex. Alto vs. Tenor Sax) should audition on their primary instrument.
AUDITION DATES
All Winds:
Monday, December 1st
All Rhythm:
Wednesday, December 3rd
Results:
Friday, December 5th
Organization Meeting (required for all):
Monday, December 8th at 3pm
A full rehearsal and performance schedule will be distributed.
**The number of jazz ensembles will be determined by instrumentation and the number of students auditioning.**
Click HERE to sign up for an audition time!
Students interested in performing on an instrument in the same family (ex. Alto vs. Tenor Sax) should audition on their primary instrument.
AUDITION DATES
All Winds:
Monday, December 1st
All Rhythm:
Wednesday, December 3rd
Results:
Friday, December 5th
Organization Meeting (required for all):
Monday, December 8th at 3pm
A full rehearsal and performance schedule will be distributed.
**The number of jazz ensembles will be determined by instrumentation and the number of students auditioning.**
WIND AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
(FLUTE, SAXOPHONES, TRUMPETS, TROMBONES)
(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 "WHS Jazz Audition Etude - Cycle 3"
- Students are encouraged to perform as much of the etude as they can to provide a clear representation of their abilities.
- Students wishing to be considered for Jazz I MUST perform the entire etude.
- Only one flute player will be selected for Jazz I.
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!
RHYTHM SECTION AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
(Piano, Guitar, Bass, Vibraphone, Drum Set)
(Piano, Guitar, Bass, Vibraphone, Drum Set)
2. Etudes:
- All students are required to play "WHS Jazz Audition Etude - Cycle 3"
- Students are encouraged to perform as much of the etude as they can to provide a clear representation of their abilities.
- Students wishing to be considered for Jazz I MUST perform the entire etude.
- Students must demonstrate appropriate style and comping techniques, and are encouraged to seek out resources and assistance from Mr. Batiz or from free online resources.
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!
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