We encourage all applicants to audition in person if possible. Audition registration will be available after prescreen results are sent. Register for a live audition by January 15.
Prescreen Repertoire - Due Dec. 1
A prescreen is required for all applicants who list jazz trumpet as their primary instrument. Please review our Prescreen Information page carefully before submission.
- Prepare Charlier No. 2 (Du Style) from Transcendental Studies
- Prepare one composition from each category listed below. If desired, applicants may substitute comparable works in each category that demonstrate similar skill.
- Blues. Play the melody and improvise 4 choruses. Suggested tunes: “Byrdlike,” (F) “Blues For Alice” (F), “Sandu” (Eb), “Cheryl” (C)
- Jazz Standard (Up-Tempo). Play the melody and improvise 3 choruses. Suggested tunes: Rhythm changes (“Moose the Mooche,” “Anthropology,” etc.), “I’ll Remember April,” “Moment's Notice”, “Cherokee”, “Stablemates”, “Airegin” or similar.
- Ballad. Play the melody and improvise one chorus. Suggested tunes: “Stardust”, “Darn That Dream”, “Chelsea Bridge”, or similar.
- Transcription. Play a self-made transcription along with the source recording. Transcription should be at least 64 measures in length.
- Scales. Prepare two octaves of the following (Bb transposed) scales ascending and descending: C Chromatic, Ab Dorian, Bb Lydian dominant, G Melodic Minor.
Audition Repertoire
Applicants should be prepared to play one tune from each category. All keys and scales are listed in concert pitch.
- Bebop. Choose one: "Confirmation", "Donna Lee", "Half Nelson", "Joy Spring", "Milestones (old)".
- Ballad. Choose one: "Body And Soul", "Infant Eyes", "Darn That Dream", "Never Let Me Go", "Stardust".
- Standard. Choose one: "It Could Happen To You", "Fe-Fi-Fo-Fum", "I'll Be Seeing You", "Conception", "Pannonica".
- Scales. Starting notes are Bb transposed. Two-octave ascending and descending, 8th notes @ 1/4 note =130 bpm. Ab melodic minor (ascending mode only), A Lydian, Bb Phrygian, B Dominant Diminished, C chromatic
- Applicant's choice of an additional selection.
This could be an original composition, or a standard such as: "Joy Spring", "Evidence", "Groovin' High", "Confirmation", "Stella By Starlight", "How Deep Is the Ocean", "Byrdlike", "Cheryl". - Lead trumpet (optional)
If you are interested in a focus of lead trumpet playing, please include:- Three contrasting excerpts from the big band repertoire.
- Ascending chromatic scale to your highest comfortable top of your range, with a fermata on that note.