Pre-Audition Screening Video Requirements - due by January 1.
Each piece should be recorded in a single, unedited take and uploaded as a separate track. Performances with a live rhythm section are preferred, but recording yourself with pre-recorded backing tracks is also acceptable (tracks utilizing live musicians are preferred if possible). Videos do not need to be professional studio recordings; however, please ensure that you are clearly visible and prominently audible in your videos. Only the applicant should be featured (no solos by other instruments).
Please prepare the following (keys for repertoire are listed in concert pitch). If desired, applicants may substitute comparable works in each category that demonstrate similar skill.
1) BLUES – Play the melody and improvise 4 choruses on one of the following tunes: Blues For Alice (F), Cheryl (C), Some Other Blues (F), Tenor Madness (Bb), Freight Trane (Ab), Mr. P.C. (C min), Sandu (Eb), The Kicker (Bb), etc.
2) JAZZ STANDARD (up tempo) – Play the melody and improvise 2 choruses on one of the following tunes: a rhythm changes tune (Oleo, Moose the Mooche, Ray’s Idea, Eternal Triangle, etc.), Cherokee, Confirmation, It’s You or No One, Moment’s Notice, Giant Steps,
3) SCALES – Prepare the following scales the entire range of the saxophone. Keys listed are on your instrument (not in concert pitch).
a. Chromatic scale – ascending and descending (slurred), quickest comfortable tempo
b. Modes of major scale - played ascending and descending, and in 3rds: B major, Eb dorian
Audition Requirements
Applicants who pass the prescreen round will be invited to audition on campus.
Applicants must perform different repertoire than submitted on their prescreen video. Students are encouraged to bring their own play-alongs to the audition, though play-alongs can be provided on request (Jamey Aebersold tracks, YouTube accompaniment, etc.)
Please prepare the following (keys for repertoire are listed in concert pitch). Repertoire should be memorized. If desired, applicants may substitute comparable works in each category that demonstrate similar skill.
1) BLUES (medium tempo) - Play the melody and improvise 4 choruses on a blues tune from the standard jazz repertoire.
2) JAZZ STANDARD (up tempo) - Play the melody and improvise 2 choruses on a tune from the standard jazz repertoire. Suggested tunes: rhythm changes, Cherokee, Moment's Notice, It's You or No One, Giant Steps, Airegin, Stablemates, Donna Lee, etc.
3) BALLAD - Play the melody and improvise 1 chorus on a ballad from the standard jazz repertoire
4) TRANSCRIPTION - play a self-made transcription along with the source recording. Transcription should be at least 32 bars in length (e.g. 1 chorus of a standard song form, or at least 3 choruses on a blues form). However, you are not limited to 32 bar forms or blues for your chosen transcription.
5) SCALES - Be prepared to play the following scales/patterns ascending and descending, entire range of the saxophone, at a brisk tempo: chromatic scale, modes of the major scale (all keys, scale and diatonic 3rds), melodic minor scales (all keys).
6) SIGHT-READING – a sight-reading excerpt in the jazz style will be provided at the audition
Recorded Interview Questions (only applicable to those who select a recorded submission to audition)
Please upload a video that is no longer than 2-3 minutes and responds to the below questions: