Jazz Studies
The University of Texas Jazz Band features jazz studies majors and students from other disciplines. Graduate students lead the group though an exploration of diverse styles within the jazz tradition and collaboration with guest artists. The ensemble helps students develop skills in improvisation, musicianship, and stylistic fluency essential to the evolving language of jazz.
JOIN
Jazz Band is open to all qualified students across the university by audition. Auditions for the entire year take place the week before classes begin in the Fall.
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
Etienne Charles, trumpet and composer
Diego Rivera and Mike Sailors, directors
The Jazz Age: 1920s and 2020s
Diego Rivera and Mike Sailors, directors
Peter Bernstein, jazz guitar
Diego Rivera and Mike Sailors, directors
Melissa Aldana, tenor saxophone
Diego Rivera and Mike Sailors, directors