|
|
Directors, please make copies of this page and pass it out to each student that will auditionNOTE: This is
Last year's audition procedures, and is posted for reference for those
planning this year's September, 2005
2005 PMEA District 2 Audition Procedures
All students will play the prepared piece indicated below and all students will “sight read” a selection pick by the Jazz coordinator and the host.
1. Audition Materials: JAZZ CONCEPTION book and CD series by Jim Snidero, published by Advance Music. Each track is stereo-separated so that you can practice with the accompaniment alone. All auditions will be done this way with the play-along CD. Books are available from Volkweins (1-800-553-8742). The etude to prepare for this year’s auditions is: YET TO BE ANNOUNCED. Please use the following books: Alto Sax 14720 Tenor Sax 14721 Baritone Sax 14720(same as alto book) Trumpet 14722 Trombone 14723 Bass Trombone 14735 Piano 14727 Guitar 14726 Bass 14736(bass lines, not melody) Drums 14729 Vibes (piano book)
2. Winds: All parts should be played as written. Make every effort to make the phrasing and style as musical as possible. Use the recording as a model, but try to let your individual style show as well. All optional parts are just that… optional. Those expecting to have a lead trombone spot should play any optional upper octaves up. It is not acceptable to play any parts down or up an octave except for those indicated as optional in the etude. Bass Trombonists should use the bass trombone book and audition on a bass trombone. All other trombonists must use the regular trombone book. Trombonists should make every attempt to use a slide trombone (as opposed to a valve trombone) considering how often articulations in trombone parts require a slide. Students wishing to tryout for a “Lead” trumpet part will need to play chorus # 2(the repeat) up one octave. There will be 5 trumpets (split lead, 2, 3, and 4) in each band. There will be 4 trombones (1, 2, 3, and Bass) chosen for each band. Saxophones will be 2 altos, 2 tenors and one baritone in each band.
3. Piano: Piano auditions will place an emphasis on both reading and comping skills for the jazz pianist. The book used for auditions will be #14727 (Piano Arrangements). The book provides a left-hand accompaniment and a right-hand melodic line. Chord symbols are provided throughout the piece. Make every effort to make the phrasing and style as musical as possible. Use the recording as a model, but try to let your individual style show as well. Students will be expected to play the first half (chorus 1, 2 & 3) as published, and “comp” the second half (chorus 4, 5 & 6) without melody: chords only. (i.e. play a rhythmic accompaniment that utilizes chordal outlines to compliment the featured musical selection) For the “comping” section, students may use the chord voicings and rhythms in the Piano Comping book, #14739, as reference. Students should not switch books in the middle and play from the comping book for the second half. Also, they should not simply memorize the comping part for the etude. They should play in a similar style. Judges in the room will use both books for reference. They are expected to follow the chord changes as they would in a jazz chart, as if they were accompanying a band. The sight-reading will include some places where students will be expected to play from only chord symbols, so students should be prepared to demonstrate this ability. 4. Bass: Students should prepare the bass etude from book #14736 (Bass Lines). The Bass Melody book, #14728 is not required. Also, you will be expected to play from chord symbols alone during the sight-reading portion. Make every effort to make the phrasing and style as musical as possible. Use the recording as a model, but try to let your individual style show as well. Students may audition on either electric or double bass, which ever they feel most comfortable on.
5. Guitar: Students will be expected to play the first half (chorus 1, 2 & 3) as written and play the second half (chorus 4, 5 & 6) with a “comping” style using chords only. (i.e. play a rhythmic accompaniment that utilizes chordal outlines to compliment the featured musical selection)
6. Percussion: As part of your audition, you may be asked to demonstrate a few bars of “time” in various styles such as swing, rock, shuffle, latin (i.e. samba, bossa nova). In playing time we are looking for your ability to play in the styles mentioned above with steady tempo and in a background fashion as though you were accompanying a band. In playing the prepared piece, we want to see how familiar you are with the musical patterns on the printed page. The majority of the piece will be keeping time. If it says “fill”, the composer wants you to come up with your own musical idea of filling in that time with a short drum feature of stated length. If there are melodic or rhythmic cues written, you are not restricted to play it exactly as written on a specific drum. You are required to follow the rhythmic pattern because it is accentuating what other instruments re playing, so it must be played together. You will note that the Drum book has both a transcription section and a lead sheet section. It is preferred that students play from the lead sheet. The transcription is useful as a reference. In the sight-reading portion, students will be expected to demonstrate many of the same things as in the prepared etude. The difference is, of course, that you will be looking at it for the first time.
7. Vibes: Please refer both to the piano book and the piano audition procedure. Your audition will be similar. We will be flexible with the audition. We would rather have you come and audition and us work with you then have no vibe player.
8. Supplementary Materials: You may be interested in purchasing the Study Guide (#14730). It has some useful information that may help your jazz program. Also, if you desire more information on a multitude of jazz subjects, you may consult Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Inc. at 1-800-456-1388 or at http://www.jajazz.com/ and request a catalog, or search online.
ALL STUDENTS,
When you come for an audition at district jazz we want you to be as comfortable as possible and do your best. The directors auditioning you want to hear you at your best. Know the prepared piece by practicing and then rehearsing it many times. Practice for the sight-reading piece by sight-reading often as much stuff as you can obtain. Your director or private teacher may be able to assist you with extra material.
DIRECTORS, You must be present at auditions or have a qualified PMEA member substitute in order for your students to participate in auditions.
Any questions concerning this page can be directed to the PMEA Jazz Coordinator who is Jerry Black. Mr. Black can be reached at Union City High School 438-7673 ext. 4201 jblack@ucasd.iu5.org
|