AUDITIONS - UNL Jazz Ensembles/Combos

JAZZ AUDITIONS

Thank you to everyone who auditioned for placement in Spring 2023 Jazz Ensembles. Results can be viewed here. Please take note of the performance dates for your ensemble(s) and immediately mark them in your calendar. Registration information will be available at the first rehearsal -- combo members will be contacted by their coach to schedule rehearsals. 
ALL INSTRUMENTS
  1. Download the etude for your instrument from the “UNLJO Audition Etudes” OneDrive folder. You may choose either Etude A or Etude B; you will not be required to perform both for your audition. If you’re auditioning for a specific chair (e.g. lead trumpet, bass trombone), download that etude instead of the “section” etude for your instrument. Be sure to also read the specific requirements for your instrument, listed below. (NOTE: You'll need to be logged in using your UNL ID in order to view the folder and files.)
  2. Fill out the online UNLJO Audition Form. Students who audition for Jazz Orchestra will automatically be considered for Big Band. You should do this prior to signing up for your audition time.
  3. Sign up for a 10-minute audition time on the Jazz Ensembles Audition Signup. You should sign up no later than 24 hours prior to your audition time.

WIND PLAYERS

Your audition will involve the following:

  • Perform the UNLJO Audition Etude in its entirety.
  • If you would like to be considered for a solo chair, improvise 2 choruses of Bb blues along with a playalong recording.

PIANO

Your audition will involve the following:

  • Perform the UNLJO Audition Etude as follows: from A to C, play the melody in the right hand while comping in the left hand. From C to the end, comp with both hands (as if the melody is being played by a horn player).
  • Improvise 2 choruses of Bb blues along with a playalong recording.

GUITAR

Your audition will involve the following:

  • Perform the UNLJO Audition Etude as written.
  • Comp a full chorus of the UNLJO Audition Etude as follows: from A to C, comp Freddie Green-style. From C to the end, comp in any style of your choosing.
  • OPTIONAL: Improvise 2 choruses of Bb blues along with a playalong recording.

 BASS
 

Your audition will involve the following:

  • Perform the UNLJO Audition Etude as follows: From A to C, play the melody as written.
  • From C to the end, improvise a walking bass line.
  • OPTIONAL: Improvise 2 choruses of Bb blues along with a playalong recording.

DRUMS

Your audition will involve the following:

  • Perform the UNLJO Audition Etude. Play swing for the entire form, using the melody as "drum figures" and adding fills where appropriate.
  • Play 8-16 bars of at least 3 of the following grooves (your choice):  swing (slow/medium/fast) samba, bossa nova, waltz, shuffle, straight-8th hip-hop, Dilla, shuffle funk, rock, one style of your choice. 

UNL Jazz Combo Audition Requirements

ALL INSTRUMENTS

If you audition for Jazz Orchestra/Big Band, that audition will count as your audition for Jazz Combos as well. If you would like to be considered for combos only, you will be asked to do the following:

  • Wind/strings players, piano, guitar, bass, vibraphone, voice: Perform a blues head of your choice in any key, and improvise a 1-chorus blues solo.
  • Drums: Play 8-16 bars of at least 3 of the following grooves (your choice): swing (slow/medium/fast), samba, bossa nova, straight-8th hip-hop, Dilla, shuffle funk, rock, one style of your choice.