Jazz Placement Auditions

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Jazz Placement Auditions

Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Band II, Lab Jazz Band III, and Small Groups.

Welcome from Jazz Director

Welcome to the UM Jazz Program!  I am excited to have you be a part of the all the wonderful experiences provided by one of the most vibrant jazz programs in the Northwest.  The UM Jazz Program has 3 Big Bands along with 6-7 Small Groups including a Commerical Music Group, so there is a place for you no matter what level or experience. Give it a try!
 
Some of the opportunities include the UM/Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival, the UM Jazz Artist Series, small group performances, recordings, a Summer 2024 tour to Europe or New Zealand, guest artists, masterclasses, and many more exciting concerts and experiences throughout the year. 

Please sign up for Jazz Placement outside Room 201 BEFORE AUGUST 25th, 2023.  If you need a hard copy of the placement materials, please download the files below or contact Johan Eriksson

 
If you have any questions about auditions, the program, or the School of Music, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
 
I am excited about you being a part of the upcoming year.
 
Looking forward to hearing you!
 
Rob Tapper
Director of Jazz Studies
robert.tapper@umontana.edu


Rob-2.jpg

Audition Times

Sign-up for Jazz Placement outside MUS 201 before August 25th, 2023. 

If you can not make these times or have questions, please see Johan Eriksson as soon as possible.

Informational Meeting

Jazz Audition Times
Day Time Who Where
Monday, August 28 1:00pm Mandatory for all Participants Music Building - Room 1

Big Bands

Jazz Audition Times
Day Time Who Where
Tuesday, August 29 1:00pm Trombone TBA
Tuesday, August 29 6:15pm Saxophone TBA
Wednesday, August 30 1:00pm Trumpet TBA
Wednesday, August 30 6:15pm Rhythm Section I (Drum Set/Vibes) TBA
Thursday, August 31 1:00pm Rhythm Section II (Bass/Piano/Guitar) TBA

Small Groups

Jazz Audition Times
Day Time Who Where
Friday, September 1 1:00pm For New Members Only TBA

Audition Excerpts

Horns (saxophone, trumpet, trombone) should prepare all 'like' instrument parts. (Example: Tenor should prepare both tenor parts; trombones should prepare all parts; etc...) Try to find recordings of this music online!

Jazz Big Bands

Saxophones:

  • In a Mellow Tone - measure 39-73 (♩ = 140)
  • Au Privave - Play in comfortable octave
  • Improvisation - B♭ Blues (concert)
  • Sight Reading - short excerpt provided at the audition
  • **If needed: Solo/Transcription - Your choice no more than 2 minutes

Download Saxophone Excerpt/Info

Trombones:

  • Take the A Trane - measure 5-32 (♩ = 160)
  • Au Privave - Play in comfortable octave
  • Improvisation - B♭ Blues (concert)
  • Sight Reading - short excerpt provided at the audition
  • **If needed: Solo/Transcription - Your choice no more than 2 minutes

Download Trombone Excerpt/Info

Drum Set:

  • Sea Changes - Beginning to measure 53 (♩ = 130-150)
  • Styles/Trading - See Styles Sheet
  • Sight Reading - short excerpt provided at the audition
  • **If needed: Solo/Transcription - Your choice no more than 2 minutes

Download Drum Set Excerpts/Info

Trumpets:

  • In a Mellow Tone - measure 88-116 (♩ = 140)
  • Au Privave - Play in comfortable octave
  • Improvisation - B♭ Blues (concert)
  • Sight Reading - short excerpt provided at audition
  • **If needed: Solo/Transcription - Your choice no more than 2 minutes

Download Trumpet Excerpt/Info

Bass/Piano/Guitar/Vibes:

  • Sea Changes - Beginning to measure 53 (♩ = 130-150)
  • Styles/Trading - See Styles Sheet
  • Sight Reading - short excerpt provided at the audition
  • **If needed: Solo/Transcription - Your choice no more than 2 minutes

Download Rhythm Section Excerpts/Info

 I'm looking forward to hearing all of you!

Jazz Small Groups

Friday, September 1 | 1:00pm | LOCATION TBA 

* For new members only.  Returning members and those auditioning for big bands DO NOT audition.

** Returning members don't need to audition; sign-up on Johan's door (Room 201).

Please be ready to play ONE of the following tunes AND BLUES HEAD (listed below) from memory.

  • A Train
  • Blue Bossa
  • There Will Never Be Another You

*There will be a maximum of 6-7 Small Groups coached by faculty and Teaching Assistants.

If you have any questions about jazz small groups, please see Johan Eriksson in Room 201 or email at johan.eriksson@mso.umt.edu