Pre-Screen Repertoire
Entire pre-screening video should be no more than 15 minutes in total. Performances with a “live” rhythm section are preferred, but play-along recordings are also acceptable. In either case, only the applicant should be featured (no solos by other instruments other than trombone).
- The following scales, legato, two octaves:
- Ab major
- C whole/half diminished
- Eb diminished whole tone.
- Four varied jazz selections in different styles (ballad, swing, straight-eighth note, etc) including the melody and improvisation choruses.
Audition Repertoire
Applicants have a choice between two audition formats: in person auditions or recorded submissions. Though recorded auditions are accepted, we strongly encourage applicants to audition on campus to benefit from the in-person experience of meeting our faculty and seeing our facilities.
- Prepare “Jazz Etude 65” from the book by J. J. Johnson entitled Exercises and Etudes for the Jazz Instrumentalist.
- Prepare one composition from each category listed below. Applicants may use a live rhythm section or play-along accompaniment. If using a live rhythm section, the applicant should be the only soloist. If desired, applicants may substitute comparable works in each category that demonstrate similar skill.
• BLUES (medium tempo) - Play the melody and improvise 4 choruses. Suggested tunes: “Relaxin’ at Camarillo” (key of C), “Bloomdido” (key of Bb), “Straight, No Chaser” (key of F), “Freight Trane” (key of Ab), etc.
• JAZZ STANDARD (up tempo) - Play the melody and improvise 2 choruses. Suggested tunes: Rhythm changes (“Moose the Mooche,” “Anthropology,” etc.), “I’ll Remember April,” “It's You or No One”, “Cherokee”, “Moment's Notice”, “Airegin”, etc.
• BALLAD - Play the melody and improvise 1 chorus. Suggested tunes: “Body & Soul”, “Skylark”, “Lament”, “Darn That Dream”, “Chelsea Bridge”, etc.
- TRANSCRIPTION - play a self-made transcription along with the source recording. Transcription should be at least 64 bars in length (e.g. 2 choruses 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.
SCALES – Prepare two octaves of the following scales ascending and descending: C Chromatic, Ab Dorian, Bb Lydian dominant, C Diminished 1/2 step first.
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:
- What is your musical background?
- Why are you applying to DePaul?