2025–2026 Junior Festival Audition Requirements
Vocal • Strings • Winds • Percussion • Jazz
Audition Pieces:
Improvisation is not required for junior jazz auditions. Students will be assessed and given feedback in this area; however, it will not be added into the final score. Improvisation scores may be used to assist the director in assigning parts within the ensemble.
Saxophones, Brass
"Morning Calm", pp. 10-11
Easy Jazz Conception, Jim Snidero
Published by Alfred Music
Use the Full Track below to study, and then prepare to audition with the Audition Track.
Piano, Bass, Guitar, Vibes
"Samba Para Ti", pp. 10-11
Rhythm Section Workout, Berg/Hamilton/Fischer/Houghton
Published by Alfred Music
Play with or without CD accompaniment.
Vibes, same as piano, but with 2 and 3 note voicings and proper pedal technique.
Also, perform Comping Sample #7:
Play two of the four styles (swing, Latin, ballad, funk) off the comping sheet (student's choice).
Drum Set
"Samba Para Ti", pp. 10-11
Rhythm Section Workout, Berg/Hamilton/Fischer/Houghton
Drummers must also demonstrate the following interpretive styles:
Medium Swing (152 bpm)
Latin/Bossa Nova (136 bpm)
Ballad (60 bpm)
Funk/Rock (100 bpm)
Sight-Reading:
A short excerpt will be provided for sight-reading. Students will be given 30 seconds to look it over before playing.
Scales:
Students should prepare all scales on their instrument's respective scale sheet. In the audition, students will be asked to play one of the major scales and the chromatic scale. Additionally, students must play a concert F or B-flat blues scale from memory. There is no chromatic scale for bass, and there are no scales for jazz drum set.
Equipment:
Drummers may use the drum set provided at the audition, or bring their own 4 or 5 piece set.
Vibes players may use the vibraphone provided at the audition, or bring their own vibraphone.
Guitar and bass amplifiers will not be provided; students must bring their own.
Contact Patrick Kennedy for any jazz audition questions.
Email: p.kennedy@schoolsofwestfield.org