2020-2021 Senior Festival Jazz Audition Information
Contact Patrick Kennedy with any jazz audition questions
Email: p.kennedy@schoolsofwestfield.org
Audition Pieces
Jazz Saxophones/Brass
"Cottontail," pp. 32-33, Approaching the Standards, Vol. 3, Dr. Willie Hill
Jazz Piano/Guitar/Bass
"Cottontail," pp. 32-33, Approaching the Standards, Vol. 3, Dr. Willie Hill
Players will play the written solo AND Comping Sample #7
Jazz Vibes
"Cottontail," pp. 32-33, Approaching the Standards, Vol. 3, Dr. Willie Hill
Players will play the written solo AND use 3 or 4 note voicings and proper pedal technique on Comping Sample #7
Jazz Drums
“El Vino,” pp. 4-5. Contemporary Drum Set Solos, Murray Houliff. Must also demonstrate swing, Latin, funk and ballad styles
Woodwind, Brass, Piano, Vibes, and Guitar will play the melody WITH THE CD and the example improvisation WITH OR WITHOUT THE CD.
For the improvisation, adjustments can be made as needed to facilitate ease of range issues, technique issues, tempo issues, etc. It is more important that the player play stylistically correct with adjustments as needed. Use the example improvisation as a guide. Students may transpose any portion of the example either up or down one octave to accommodate range.
All rhythm section instruments, including vibes, are required to comp off the comping sheet assigned for this year.
Scales
All students will play one major scale in keeping with the scales required for their instrument, a two octave chromatic scale, and a Bb or F concert blues scale.
Scales for brass and woodwinds are prescribed on MMEA-WD website.
guitar - C, G, D, E, A, F, Bb, Eb, Ab (two octaves)
piano/vibes - C, D, A, E, F, Bb, Eb, Ab (two octaves)
bass - C, D, A, Bb, Eb (one octave) G, F, Ab (two octaves)
Equipment
Percussionists may use the drum set provided by WSU or bring their own 4 or 5 piece set.
Guitar and Bass amplifiers ARE available at Westfield State. Vibes may use the vibraphone provided by WSU or bring their own vibraphone.
PLEASE NOTE: IMPROVISATION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR JAZZ AUDITIONS
Improvisation over the chord changes is encouraged during the audition, but not required. Students will receive valuable feedback from the adjudicators and the scores may be used by group manager to assign solo parts within the ensemble.