GDYO Jazz Audition Information
Please refer to our Ensemble Descriptions page for an overview of each ensemble.
What instruments are we looking for?
Jazz Combo: Saxophone (Alto, Tenor or Bari), Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Vibraphone, Bass (upright encouraged), Drum set.
Jazz Orchestra: Saxophone (Alto, Tenor and Bari), Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Vibraphone, Bass (electric encouraged – either is fine), Drum set.
All auditions submitted via video.
Please refer to each instrument group below for audition requirements and recording order.
Wind applicants (Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone) should record the following, in this order:
1. The jazz chart Big Dipper.
Trumpet and Trombone only: The Section marked optional is only for those who wish to be considered for Lead (solo) parts in the Jazz Orchestra.
2. One Solo Work of your choice (without accompaniment) Please make this piece a jazz piece. This can be a transcribed solo or other jazzy work. The length of this solo should not exceed 5 minutes.
3. Improvise over the “backing track for Improvising” (at least 2 choruses). The backing track needs to be heard on your recording. While not required for acceptance into a jazz ensemble, seating priorities may be decided based on improvisation.
Please note that step 3 is recommended to be considered for the combo, but optional to be considered for the orchestra.
Chart, Backing Tracks and Chord Changes available here
Piano, Vibraphone and Guitar applicants should record the following, in this order:
1. The jazz chart, Big Dipper.
2. One Solo Work of your choice (without accompaniment) Please make this piece a jazz piece. This can be a transcribed solo or other jazzy work. The length of this solo should not exceed 5 minutes.
3. Improvise over the “backing track for Improvising” (at least 2 choruses). The backing track needs to be heard on your recording. While not required for acceptance into a jazz ensemble, seating priorities may be decided based on improvisation.
Please note that step 3 is recommended to be considered for the combo, but optional to be considered for the orchestra.
4. Comp/play chords over the “backing track for comping”. The backing track needs to be heard on the recording.
Step 4 is optional for Vibraphone applicants.
Chart, Backing Tracks and Chord Changes available here
Bass applicants should record the following, in this order:
1. The jazz chart, Big Dipper.
2. One Solo Work of your choice (without accompaniment) Please make this piece a jazz piece. This can be a transcribed solo or other jazzy work. The length of this solo should not exceed 5 minutes.
3. Improvise over the “backing track for bass” (at least 2 choruses). The backing track needs to be heard on your recording.
Please note that step 3 is recommended to be considered for the combo, but optional to be considered for the orchestra.
4. Comp/walk the changes on the “backing track for bass” (create your own bass line). The backing track needs to be heard on the recording.
Chart, Backing Tracks and Chord Changes available here
Drum set applicants should record the following, in this order:
1. The Jazz Chart, Big Dipper. Please play along with the “Big Dipper Backing Track for Drums” recording. The backing track needs to be audible on your recording.
2. Play time over the “backing track for drums” two times, with at least two contrasting styles. The backing track needs to be audible on your recording.
3. Two to Four additional styles of your choice in 4 – 8 bar phrases.
Styles suggested, but not limited to:
- medium swing (on Ride and on HH)
- uptempo bop. (tempo 200+)
- brushes ballad
- jazz waltz (medium tempo)
- samba
- Bossa
No Metrnomoe should be used while recording styles
Chart, Backing Tracks and Chord Changes available here