Audition Information, part 2

Information about Roosevelt Jazz auditions for the 2019-2020 school year has been updated, finally! (We’ve been a little busy over here, you may have heard…) The required tune for this year is “It Could Happen To You” by Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen. Note that the required version of the tune is in the key of E flat. Please use the lead sheets posted on the auditions page of this website. Also, be sure to carefully read through everything on the auditions page. Your success at auditions hinges on a careful understanding of what is required, and of course your own hard work. We want you to do well and wish you the best of luck!

Audition Information

Information about auditions for all 2018-2019 Roosevelt Jazz ensembles is now available on our auditions page. Auditions take place June 4th through June 10th. Please read through all the information carefully for details on when and where your audition will take place, and what you’ll need to do to prepare. We look forward to hearing you swing!

Update: Roosevelt Jazz Auditions for 2017- 2018

Auditions for the 2017-2018 school year will take place between May 30 and June 13 at Roosevelt High School.

  • NEW! Vocal Jazz auditions will be held on Tuesday, May 30 and Wednesday, May 31 from 3:30-5:30
  • Tuesday, June 6th starting at 3:45: Rhythm auditions, all grade levels
  • Sunday, June 11th, 9 am-Noon: incoming 9th grade Saxophone auditions
  • Sunday, June 11th, 1 pm-4 pm: incoming 9th grade Brass auditions
  • Monday, June 12th starting at 3:45: Saxophone auditions for current Roosevelt students
  • Tuesday, June 13th starting at 3:45: Brass auditions for current Roosevelt students

Jazz Band audition music and forms are now available. Check this page for details.

 

Audition Music Now Available!

Hello Jazz families and musicians,

You can find the music for students preparing for jazz band auditions below.  Please note:

  • There is separate music for sax and brass
  • Solar should be learned by all auditioning students (sax, brass and rhythm)
  • ALL sax, brass, and rhythm students should also prepare a SHORT excerpt of a jazz piece of their own choosing.
  • No additional music other than Solar for rhythm.

2016 Audition Music:

INSTRUCTIONS From Mr. Brown

Saxes and Brass:

  1. Learn the medium swing written excerpt. Play with swing articulation, keep a steady medium swing tempo, and play expressively!
  2. Learn the melody and changes to Miles Davis’ Solar. You will play the melody; then improvise for a maximum of two choruses.
  3. Play a jazz excerpt of your choice which showcases your abilities as a jazz musician.

All Rhythm Section players:

  1. Learn the melody and changes to Miles Davis’ Solar. You will perform this piece multiple times with various combinations of players, during the Rhythm Section Auditions on FRIDAY, June 17th.
  2. Play a jazz excerpt of your choice which showcases your abilities as a jazz musician.
  3. Basses, guitarists, pianists and drummers may be asked to demonstrate skills which are fundamental to playing jazz on your specific instrument.

The most important thing for all players is that you play with a mature, confident, swinging sound! It should be evident to us that you listen to jazz, and understand the sounds and vocabulary that are fundamental to playing this music. We understand that you might be nervous. Just do your best!

Thanks for auditioning for Roosevelt Jazz… Good Luck!

Brown and Van Bebber