Jazz Ensemble Auditions

Jazz Ensemble I and II are designed to meet the needs of jazz majors as well as music education majors interested in gaining experience in jazz performance techniques and jazz pedagogy. The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Chamber Group have active performance schedules and work with many distinguished guests, including Sam Rivers, Michael Phillip Mossman, and James Moody.

Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Chamber Group auditions are open to all UCF Students. Questions can be directed to Jeff Rupert.

Students interested in Jazz Ensembles may also be interested in a Jazz Studies, B.M. or Jazz as an area of study.

Audition Requirements

Trumpets Auditions

Be prepared to sight read, and play major, harmonic minor, melodic minor scales. Demonstrate range. Play the melody to one of the following jazz standards:

  • Donna Lee (A♭) by Miles Davis
  • Hot House (C) by Tadd Dameron
  • Confirmation (F) by Charlie Parker
  • Optional: Improvisation

Saxophone Auditions

Be prepared to sight read, and play major, harmonic minor, melodic minor scales. Be prepared to play scales on doubles, as well. (Flute, piccolo, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet). Play the melody to one of the following jazz standards:

  • Donna Lee (A♭) by Miles Davis
  • Hot House (C) by Tadd Dameron
  • Confirmation (F) by Charlie Parker
  • Optional: Improvisation

Bass Auditions

Be prepared to sight read, and play major, harmonic minor, melodic minor scales. Be prepared to demonstrate the aforementioned on upright, and or electric bass guitar, if applicable. Optional: improvisation, an etude, or performance of a jazz standard.

Piano/Guitar/Vibes

Be prepared to sight read, and play major, harmonic minor, melodic minor scales. Be prepared to demonstrate accompanying ability on an F blues. Play the melody to one of the following jazz standards:

  • Donna Lee (A♭) by Miles Davis
  • Hot House (C) by Tadd Dameron
  • Confirmation (F) by Charlie Parker
  • Optional: Improvisation

Drums

Be prepared to sight read, as well as play the following styles on the set:

  • Medium tempo jazz shuffle
  • Medium tempo swing
  • Slow 4/4 tempo with brushes
  • Up-tempo Be Bop/swing feel
  • Afro-Cuban feel
  • Bossa Nova
  • Samba
  • Funk/ R&B feel