VCU Jazz Orchestra – directed by Prof. Taylor Barnett, rehearses Tues/Thurs 4-5:50pm in James Black Music Center, room 1003
VCU Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra – directed by Prof. Dimitrije Vasiljevic, rehearses Tues/Thurs 4-5:50pm in Singleton Center, room B40
VCU Small Jazz Ensembles (SJE) – There will be 5 or 6 SJEs, based on the number of interested students, and rehearsals are scheduled based on the availability of the faculty coach and the members assigned to each group.
*When you submit your schedule at the link below, you will indicate your interest in participating in a Jazz Orchestra and/or SJE.
Audition Dates
- Tuesday 8/22 – 11:30-1:30pm, 3:40-5:00pm – James Black Music Center 2014
- Wednesday 8/23 – 12:00-4:00pm – James BlackMusic Center 2014
- Thursday 8/24 – 11:30-1:30pm, 3:40-5:00pm – James Black Music Center 2014
- Monday 8/28 – Last day for students to add/drop a course.
- Tuesday 8/29 – First rehearsal of Jazz Orchestras
- Week of 8/28 – First rehearsal of Small Jazz Ensembles (as individually scheduled).
SIGN UP FOR JAZZ AUDITION SLOT HERE
PLEASE UPLOAD A COPY OF YOUR COURSE SCHEDULE USING THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Audition Requirements
Horns, Guitar, Bass, and Piano: prepare the required excerpts found below. Students interested in a Small Jazz Ensemble will also improvise a two-chorus solo on a blues in concert F.
Drums: Unaccompanied performance of a variety of styles on request, including swing, ballad, waltz, bossa, samba and Afro-Cuban, plus possibly trading fours. Drummers are required to bring their own cymbals, hi-hat clutch, sticks and brushes.
All Auditionees: Sight reading: You will have 1-2 minutes to study the piece. A recommended tempo will be marked but is not mandatory.
Questions about Jazz Ensemble auditions can be directed to Prof. Taylor Barnett at barnettt@vcu.edu.