​​​​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 correctly with adjustments as needed. Use the Full Track above to study, and then prepare to play it with the Audition Track above. Students may transpose any portion of the example either up or down one octave to accommodate range.

​

All auditions (except drum set) could be performed in this manner:

​

One option with the backing track

• play the melody first time through

• play the sample improvisation second time (this is where you can make adjustments as needed if too high/low)

• improvise a solo third time

• play the melody and go to the ending on the fourth time through (not necessary but makes for a nice full presentation)

​

Another option

• play the melody first time through

• improvise second time through

• play the sample improvisation without recording (if tempo is too fast for the student)

​

​​​

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 two of the major scales and the chromatic scale. All scales must be memorized. There is no chromatic scale for bass, and there are no scales for jazz drum set. 

Click here for scale sheets. 

​​​

​​

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.​