Penn State Jazz
Big band and new (not previously enrolled) combo player auditions will be held on the first Sunday and Monday (first day of classes) of the semester, 3-9pm, in Room 128, Music Building II. Students should complete the audition application and sign-up for an audition time before the semester.
Jazz Combos Auditions
Those previously enrolled in combos who wish to be enrolled again must notify Dr. Davis at joshuadavis@psu.edu before the first day of classes. An audition is not required. Jazz combo players interested in forming their own groups of five or more players should include that request in their email to Dr. Davis. All others will be placed in combos with others of comparable ability.
Those not currently enrolled in combos should prepare improvisation over a Bb or F Blues and any one reading piece from the big band selections posted here.
Combos will be open to solo vocalists. Students interested should prepare a jazz standard with a YouTube backing track emailed to Dr. Davis at joshuadavis@psu.edu. While scat improvisation is not required, substantial melodic embellishment is strongly encouraged.
Big Bands
Big Band Audition Requirements
- Your Choice
Prepare a brief portion (less than one minute) of any piece in any style of music that demonstrates your technical and musical strengths. - Sight-Reading
The audition panel may provide brief excerpts to assess sight-reading ability. - Prepared Reading (Access Materials here)
Despite Amnesia, a progressively difficulty rhythmic etude (not a performance piece) should be played with a Night in Tunisia backing tracking. Prepare as much of Despite Amnesia as possible and feel free to dial a backing track (YouTube has several options) back to 0.75 speed if necessary. You are encouraged to prepare as much as possible but are not required to prepare the whole piece.
In addition to Despite Amnesia, prepare at least two other pieces or portions of pieces posted here. When auditioning, you will be invited to choose the pieces and portions of pieces you would like to demonstrate. Prepare to demonstrate both that which is comfortable and that which challenges you. China Dolls is a particularly strong representation of sixteenth note reading, a skill often needed for Centre Dimensions repertoire. You are encouraged (but not required) to prepare to play at least a few bars of this at your fastest tempo. Accuracy is much more important than speed.
Play in time, in tune, with printed articulations and dynamics, and with a feel and full sound exemplified by the master players of your instrument.
- Improvisation
Demonstrating improvisation is only required for those auditioning for jazz combos.
Instrument Specifics
Saxophone players should prepare the alto saxophone audition materials on their preferred saxophone (alto, tenor or baritone).
Trombone players interested in playing bass trombone are encouraged to audition on both bass and upper parts if possible.
Bassists should prepare the audition materials on both double bass and electric bass if possible. Those able to demonstrate using only one instrument are strongly encouraged to audition regardless.
Jazz and Big Band questions should be directed to Dr. Joshua Davis, Director of Jazz at joshuadavis@psu.edu.
Vocal Dimensions
Auditions will be by appointment during the first week of each semester. Please email Dr. Christopher Kiver (cak27@psu.edu) to arrange an audition date and time. The audition includes sight-singing, aural skills exercises, range testing, and an a cappella performance of a verse and chorus of a jazz standard or pop tune of the singer’s choice.
