Auditions: Undergraduate - Jazz Drumset

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 drums as their primary instrument. Please review our Prescreen Information page carefully before submission. 
    •    A performance of "Blakey's End" from Thompson's Jazz Solos for Drumset, Volume 1.
    •    Play time in a 4/4 swing feel (half note = 96) for approximately one minute.
    •    Trade fours (4/4 swing followed by solo, repeated, half note = 110) for approximately one minute.
    •    Play a mambo, quarter note = 200 for 45 seconds. 

Audition Repertoire

Note: applicants must provide their own cymbals, sticks, and hi-hat clutch. On-campus audition requirements include the prescreen requirements as well as the following: 
    •    Prepared snare drum solo (comparable to material found in Cirone's Portraits in Rhythm or Tompkins' Nine French-American Rudimental Solos
    •    Rudiments (knowledge of and application to the snare drum and drumset)
    •    Soloing and trading (playing phrases, using rudiments, dynamics etc.)
    •    Sight-reading (large and small jazz ensemble charts, ensemble figures, chart interpretation
    •    Form identification and recognition (blues and rhythm changes)
    •    The candidate will be required to demonstrate a familiarity with and ability to play the following musical styles on the drumset:
    ◦    4/4 swing at a variety of tempos
    ◦    Rock styles at a variety of tempos
    ◦    Bossa Nova
    ◦    Mambo
    ◦    Brush technique - medium and ballad tempi
    ◦    Jazz waltz time keeping