Jazz Studies
The Alternative Improvisation Music Ensemble, is a select jazz ensemble of six to ten members performing unique repertoire that encompasses a wide variety of styles. Emphasizing extended improvisation, members of the ensemble compose the music specifically for the group’s instrumentation. Recent projects include the “Jazz at the Blanton” concert series, where Butler School jazz composers create music for AIME based on exhibits at the university's Blanton Museum of Art, and regular appearances at the Elephant Room jazz club. AIME was the 2018 Graduate Student Jazz Combo Downbeat Magazine Student Recording Awards winner.
JOIN
AIME is primarily comprised of Butler School Jazz graduate students, but is open to all qualified students across the university by audition. Auditions for the entire academic year take place the week before Fall classes begin.
Audition Information
Requirements
Part 1 – Excerpt, “Little Pixie II” Performed unaccompanied
All Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, and Rhythm Section instruments:
- Start from the beginning, stop at letter “O”
- Reference recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MSMgwknQlI
- Sheet music will be provided at the audition
- Vocalists do not need to prepare
PART II – Prepared Song, “Autumn Leaves” performed with rhythm section
Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, and Vocalists:
- Play the melody
- Take 1-2 improvised choruses
- Play the melody out
- Recommend performing from memory; no sheet music will be provided at the audition.
Rhythm Section Instruments
- Play the melody
- Take 1-2 improvised choruses
- Comp for one chorus
- Play the melody out
- Recommend performing from memory; no sheet music will be provided at the audition.
NOTE: You may choose the tempo for “Autumn Leaves”. Vocalists may choose a comfortable key if the CONCERT part is outside their range.
PART III – Additional Selection
Prepare a short selection (3 minutes maximum) of your choice. It could be another tune, a performance on another instrument, a transcription of a solo, etc. Anything you feel represents your very best jazz musicianship.
Schedule
Auditions will take place August 22-25 in the Jazz Room (MRH 6.248).
SIGN-UP
Sign up for an audition by August 20.
Upcoming Performances
John Fremgen, director
New jazz works from members of the ensemble.
John Fremgen, director
New jazz works from members of the ensemble.
Watch
MB's Walk
By Matt Maldonado
John Fremgen, director
Matt Maldonado, tenor sax
excerpt
Bates Recital Hall
Austin, TX