JAZZ SAXOPHONE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS/PROCEDURES
2010 Prescreenings (preiminary auditions) will be accepted online through http://artsapp.com/frost/ Please go to this page, register, and submit your pre screening materials electronically by December 1st. A prescreen audition is required for jazz saxophone.
Prescreen:
Three short songs (standards, jazz standards, originals) in contrasting styles with rhythm section accompaniment (live or play along tracks). Please include the melody of each song and several choruses of improvisation. Supplemental material such as minor instrument pieces, classical pieces, big band recordings, etc. is welcome but cannot substitute for the basic sax and rhythm format. Video is preferred, audio only is acceptable. If there is any question as to suitability, please contact Professor Keller (gkeller@miami.edu).
Final audition:
1) Applicants should bring a list of prepared repertoire (a minimum of five standard songs/jazz standards) to be performed in a combo setting. The list should represent a variety of key centers, tempos and rhythmic formats (swing, jazz rock, ballad, Latin, etc.). Applicants will be judged on interpretation of melodies, improvisational skills (melodic and rhythmic development, harmonic accuracy, etc.), as well as the scope of the applicant's repertoire. Basic piano accompaniment will be provided. Performance of jazz repertoire by memory is strongly encouraged.
2) Music Theory/Scales: Applicants are expected to have proficiency on all major and harmonic minor scales across the entire range of the saxophone. Jazz saxophone applicants should be comfortable with basic chord construction and be able to arpeggiate all qualities of seventh chords. Knowledge of more advanced scales/chords/patterns is a plus. On campus auditions will also include a brief theory/ear evaluation.
3) Prepare a concert piece or etude (non-jazz). Applicants will be judged on technique, phrasing, articulation, tone and intonation, etc. as related to the interpretation of a written piece of music. This may be submitted as a supplemental recording.
4) An etude, concert piece, or jazz performance demonstrating skills on secondary instruments (clarinet, flute, piano) is optional but encouraged. Also may be submitted as a supplemental recording.
On campus auditions are preferred and will include sight-reading, scales, piano assessment, and a brief interview.
Regional auditions: You must provide your own accompaniment (live or prerecorded) and supply your own play back unit for recorded accompaniments. The Jamey Aebersold accompaniment recordings are acceptable. Sight-reading and scales will be included.
Recorded auditions: Video required. Please ensure that video recordings are of high sonic quality and good definition.
Supplemental audition materials/recordings such as original compositions and arrangements are welcome and encouraged, but may not be substituted for the listed audition requirements. If there is any question as to suitability, please contact Professor Keller (gkeller@miami.edu).