Haines 6thGradeCenterJazz BandAudition Requirements
Thank you for your interest in being part of the Haines 6th Grade Center Jazz Band! Our Jazz Band is a Challenge Level class that will meet during 7thperiod every “A” Day. In addition to performing for our band concert(s), our Jazz Band may perform at Jazz Festivals and/or other community events as opportunities become available. Being part of our Jazz band is a commitment, but it’s a lot of fun!
Below are the materials necessary for a successful audition. Please note that Mr. Sheffer does not select the members of the Jazz Band.Since I have already worked with many of the students, and to keep the audition process fair for everyone, all of the auditions are recorded and sent to an independent music teacher to review and rank all of the musicians on their respective instruments. Once the results are returned to Mr. Sheffer, the Jazz Band list will be tabulated and submitted to the guidance office for acceptance into the class. Please keep in mind that due to the arrangements that we play, there is a limited instrumentation for this group.
To give you an idea, the Jazz Band will consist of:
2-4 Alto Saxes
2-4 Tenor Saxes
1-2 Bari Saxes
4 – Trombones
5-6 Trumpets
1-2 Piano Players
1 Guitar
1 – Bass (Could be played by a piano player if necessary)
1-2 Drummers/Percussion
If you make it: Great! I look forward to us working together for a great year of Jazz!
If you do not make it: IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD! We have had many students who auditioned and did not make the band as a 6th grader, but worked really hard their 6th grade year and came back to make it as a 7th grader! The important thing is to continue to work hard to hone your musical skills to make you a better musician!
Thanks for your interest in being part of our Jazz Band and Good Luck!
Mr. Sheffer
- SCALES - Saxes, brass, piano, guitar, and bass students are required to prepare the scales listed on the next page. All scales should be played in a swing style.
- STYLE - Drummers are required to demonstrate the ability to keep time in the styles listed below.
- SIGHT READING – Students will perform a short piece at the time of the audition. Students will be given approximately 30 seconds to read over the piece prior to playing.
All Saxophones:
1. Scales:
- Alto/Bari : G & D Blues - 2 Octaves, A Blues - 1 octave; G & A Dorian mode - 1 octave; D Dorian mode - 2 octaves.
- Tenor : C, D, & G Blues - 2 octaves; C & D Dorian mode - 2 octaves; G Dorian mode - 1 octave.
2. Sight Reading
Trumpet:
1. Scales: Blues & Dorian mode C, D, & G - 1 octave.
2. Sight Reading
Trombone:
1. Scales: Blues & Dorian mode C, F, & Bb - 1 octave.
2. Sight Reading
Piano:
1. Scales [2 HANDS]: Blues & Dorian mode C, F, & Bb - 2 octaves.
2. Sight Reading
Guitar:
1. Scales: Blues & Dorian mode C, F, & Bb - 2 octaves.
2. Sight Reading
Bass:
1. Scales: Blues & Dorian mode C, F, & Bb - 2 octaves.
2. Sight Reading
Drums:
1. Styles: Swing(slow w/brushes, medium w/sticks, fast w/sticks), Jazz Waltz, Shuffle, 8th Note Rock, 16th Note Rock (Funk), Latin (Bossa Nova/Samba).
Students must be able to play 2, 4, & 8 bar phrases with a fill at the end of each phrase.
2. Sight Reading