Welcome to the UM Jazz Program! We are excited to have you be a part of 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 Small Groups so there is a place for you no matter what level or experience. Give it a Try!
Some of the 2026-27 opportunities include the UM/Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival, amazing guest artists including the Count Basie pianist, Reggie Thomas, Holiday Swing with Brad Leali, the UM Jazz Artist Series, small group performances, recordings and a potential summer trip to Europe! This along with many more exciting concerts and experiences throughout the year.
Please sign up ASAP for Big Band and Small Group placement hearing outside Room 111. The deadline to sign up is August 22. If you need a hard copy of the placement materials, please print from the links below.
There is a required meeting for all Jazz Participants on Monday, August 24TH @1:00pm in Music Rm 1 to answer questions and discuss the year!
If you have any questions about auditions, the program or the School of Music, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Here we go!
Looking forward,
Rob Tapper
Director of Jazz Studies
robert.tapper@umontana.edu
Jazz Program Placement
Required Informational Meeting
Monday, August 24: 12:00pm - ALL PARTICIPANTS - Music Building, Rm 001
Big Band Placement Dates
Tuesday, August 25: 12:30pm - Trombone
Tuesday, August 25: 6:15pm - Saxophone
Wednesday, August 26: 12:00pm - Trumpet
Wednesday, August 26: 6:15pm - Rhythm Section I - Drum Set/Vibes
Thursday, August 27: 1:00pm - Rhythm Section II - Bass/Piano/Guitar
Small Group Placement Date
EVERYONE signs up outside MUSIC Rm. 111. Only new members need to audition. Loaction TBD
Friday, August 28: 12:00pm
If you can not make these times or have questions please see Rob Tapper ASAP or call 509.280.2284
Big Band Audition & Placement
Saxophones, trumpets, trombones should prepare all 'like' instrument parts. (Example: Tenor should prepare both tenor parts; trombones should prepare all parts; etc...)
Saxophones: (Try as many different parts as possible)
- Serpent's Tooth - m. 134-168, quarter-note = 130-150
- Blues for Alice (head) - Play in comfortable octave (1x)
- Improvisation - B♭ Blues (concert)
- Solo/Transcription - Please have prepared if needed
- DOWNLOAD SAXOPHONE PACKET
Trombones: (Try as many different parts as possible)
- Time After Time - m. 129-End, quarter-note = 160-180
- Blues for Alice (head) - Play in comfortable octave (1x)
- Improvisation - Bb Blues (concert)
- Solo/Transcription - Please have prepared if needed
- DOWNLOAD TROMBONE PACKET
Trumpets: (Try as many different parts as possible)
- Time After Time - m. 129-End, quarter-note = 160-180
- Blues for Alice (head) - Play in comfortable octave (1x)
- Improvisation - Bb Blues (concert)
- Solo/Transcription - Please have prepared if needed
- DOWNLOAD TRUMPET PACKET
Bass/Piano/Guitar/Vibes:
- Time After Time - m. 113-End, quarter-note = 160-180
- Blues for Alice (head) - Play in comfortable octave (1x)
- Improvisation - Bb Blues (concert)
- Solo/Transcription - Please have prepared if needed
- DOWNLOAD RHYTHM SECTION PACKET
Drum Set: (Should also prepare Vibes)
- Time After Time - m. 113-End, quarter-note = 160-180
- Blues for Alice (head)
- Styles/Trading - Please see Drum Set Styles sheet
- Solo/Transcription - Please have prepared if needed
- DOWNLOAD RHYTHM SECTION PACKET
Please find recordings of these pieces! I'm looking forward to hearing all of you!
Small Group Audition & Placement
SIGN UP! EVERYONE who is interested in small groups should sign up outside MUSIC Rm. 111.
AUDITIONS: For new members only. Returning members and those auditioning for big bands DO NOT need to audition.
Friday, August 28th | 1:00pm | Room 001
Please be ready to play ONE of the following tunes OR blues head.- A Train
- Blue Bossa
- Recordame
- There Will Never Be Another You
If you have any questions about jazz small groups, please see Rob Tapper in Room 111 or email at robert.tapper@umontana.edu