Jazz Ensemble Audition Requirements and Expectations Fall 2023

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.

Audition Materials

Trombone

Bass

Trumpet

Alto Sax

Baritone Sax

Tenor Sax

Piano & Guitar