Escalante Jazz Band Audition Information

2024-2025

Welcome! Our Jazz Band at Escalante is our most competitive and advanced ensemble available to students. Each year, we compete or perform at least once per quarter, often in public venues.

Students in Jazz Band are highly motivated, often in private lessons (though not required), and show off the best talent we have at Escalante. Students interested in joining should read this packet carefully, and prepare all required audition materials to their best ability for their audition.

Audition Requirements (All materials posted to Mr. Smith’s website):

Wind Instrument Players and Piano, Guitar and Bass Players:

• Play the Head from Blue Monk (12 measures)
• Play the Chorus 1 Etude for your instrument
• Play a Concert Bb Blues Scale (number 1 on the scales sheet)

Percussionists:

• Play the drum styles listed
• Play the drum part to Manhattan Dance Party
• On Vibraphone, play a concert Bb Blues Scale
• On Vibraphone, play the Head from Blue Monk (12 measures)

Commitment:

In addition to daily rehearsal during the school day, students may have some additional scheduled rehearsals outside of class. These will be communicated as early as possible. All performances and competitions are mandatory and part of each student’s grade and students are expected to attend. It is each student’s responsibility to plan for practice time outside of class. This time is necessary to reinforce daily rehearsal concepts and practice difficult music and techniques.

Eligibility:

Students are required to maintain a minimum of a C average in all classes in order to perform or compete at any concert or competition.