Audition sign-ups open May 1 for the 2013-14 SFJAZZ High School All-Stars!

Email cphillips@sfjazz.org for more information.

What to Expect at the Auditions

You will be given 10 minutes, though most auditions do not take that long. Judges will be evaluating you based on technique, musicality and familiarity with the jazz language, improvisation and sight-reading ability.

Big Band

All instruments will audition unaccompanied. Guitar and bass amps will be provided, along with a drum kit with cymbals (you do not need to bring your own).

Horns

Prepare a jazz standard and blues head of your choice. Be prepared to improvise on both pieces. Doublers are encouraged to audition on multiple instruments.

• Lead Trumpet Players: Please inform the audition staff if you are auditioning for the lead trumpet chair. You will be asked to play one or two phrases in the extended range.
• Trombone Players: Please inform the audition staff if you are auditioning as bass trombonist.

Piano/Guitar

Prepare a standard and blues of your choice. Be prepared to play the melody, improvise, and comp through the chord changes. Sight-reading will include melody and chord changes.

Bass

Prepare a standard and blues of your choice. Have the melody prepared for the blues. If comfortable, the melody can be prepared for the standard as well. In addition, we will hear you walk bass lines through both forms, and improvise, as well as demonstrate (separately) playing a Latin-style or straight-eighth figure. Sight-reading will include chord progressions and notated rhythmic figures.

Drums

Be prepared to play examples of the following feels: swing at different tempos (medium, very fast, and ballad), Latin, bossa, and funk. Sight-reading will include typical big band charts and a 32-bar standard and/or blues form. Please bring brushes. All drummers will play on the same drum and cymbal set up.

Vocalists

Prepare a standard and blues. Please bring a lead sheet in your key. Piano accompaniment will be provided. Vocalists will also be asked to sing a selection of scales, such as major, minor and/or chromatic scale in a one octave range.

Combo

The All-Stars Combo is a training and performance workshop throughout the year with an emphasis on arranging. Students interested in the combo program must demonstrate proficient improvisational ability, as well as an interest in learning the craft of arranging. Combos will meet weekly (separately from the big band) and require time commitment for at-home arranging, rehearsal and performances.

Frequently Asked Questions from potential participants:

Q: When does the band rehearse?
A: The Jazz Orchestra (AKA Big Band) will rehearse from 5:45 to 7:45 pm on Tuesday nights. The Combo will rehearse after, from 8 to 9:30 pm on Tuesdays.

Q: Where is rehearsal?
A: Both bands will rehearse inside the Joe Henderson Lab at the SFJAZZ Center. The space is easily accessible by MUNI and BART. Street parking is available however very limited.

Q: How much is tuition?
A: Tuition is $300 for the school year. There may be additional costs such as transportation to/from rehearsal and gigs.

Q: Are scholarships available?
A: Yes. Needs-based scholarships are available by emailing Claire Phillips at cphillips@sfjazz.org.

Q: Does the band travel?
A: Yes. We aim to travel to at least one out-of-state (or international) festival per year. In previous years the band has been to Boston, New Orleans and New York City. We raise funds to cover most or all of the travel costs in these cases. Both the Orchestra and the Combo also aim to travel to local jazz festivals such as Monterey and Healdsburg.

Q: What is an “alternate”?
A: An “alternate” is someone who is not a regular member of the band but will be called upon to sub for a band member at rehearsals or performances. Benefits include free concert tickets to select SFJAZZ shows, invitations to clinics and workshops, and a standing invitation to come observe and hang at rehearsals.