2017 Jazz Band Audition Materials
Congratulations on starting your journey to join the Washington High School Jazz Bands!
You may pick up all sheet music from the Washington High School Band Room. For middle school students, if you would like to audition for one of the upper level jazz bands, you need to pick up the Upper Level Jazz Music from your middle school director!
Reeds & Winds: The Process Consists of You Choosing TWO BLUES SCALES (found on your audition music) Playing the Melody of "Stellar," and if you choose, playing an improv chorus over the chorus of "Stellar" Adding APPROPRIATE improv will grant you extra points.
Rhythm Section: The process consists of you playing time/style/comping over "Stellar," as well as :
Piano: Comp over F Blues
Bass: Walking Bass Line for F Blues
Guitar: Comp over F Blues
Drums: Play following styles for 1 Minute: Swing, Funk/Rock, Samba, Trade 4s! (Play time 4 Bars, Solo for 4 Bars)
Below are tracks for "Stellar" The first contains the rhythm section backing track, which we will play behind anyone soloing. After that, there are examples of appropriate solos/time/style listed below.
AUDITIONS START on Friday, April 7, 2017.
Reeds & Winds: The Process Consists of You Choosing TWO BLUES SCALES (found on your audition music) Playing the Melody of "Stellar," and if you choose, playing an improv chorus over the chorus of "Stellar" Adding APPROPRIATE improv will grant you extra points.
Rhythm Section: The process consists of you playing time/style/comping over "Stellar," as well as :
Piano: Comp over F Blues
Bass: Walking Bass Line for F Blues
Guitar: Comp over F Blues
Drums: Play following styles for 1 Minute: Swing, Funk/Rock, Samba, Trade 4s! (Play time 4 Bars, Solo for 4 Bars)
Below are tracks for "Stellar" The first contains the rhythm section backing track, which we will play behind anyone soloing. After that, there are examples of appropriate solos/time/style listed below.
AUDITIONS START on Friday, April 7, 2017.
Jazz Ensembles
There are three Jazz Bands currently offered at Washington High School
All Jazz Bands meet during the school day, during one "slot" of the Lunch period. The Jazz groups are auditioned in the spring in the prior school year. All the jazz bands participate in Jazz Festivals in the local area as well as WHS Band concerts. One of the highlights for the Warrior Jazz Bands is our annual performance at the Lion's Pancake Feed, held every spring in Sioux Falls.
Jazz Band is a fun and exciting opportunity to perform the unique American Art for of Jazz. All the Jazz Bands perform many different styles ranging from swing, rock, latin, funk, ballads, and more. Our goal is to help students strive to excel at a musical ensemble outside of the normal concert band, and express themselves through creating their own music in Jazz Improvisation. As a member of any Jazz Band, you must commit to attending all rehearsals and performances, as every individual plays a crucial role in our band.
All Jazz Bands meet during the school day, during one "slot" of the Lunch period. The Jazz groups are auditioned in the spring in the prior school year. All the jazz bands participate in Jazz Festivals in the local area as well as WHS Band concerts. One of the highlights for the Warrior Jazz Bands is our annual performance at the Lion's Pancake Feed, held every spring in Sioux Falls.
Jazz Band is a fun and exciting opportunity to perform the unique American Art for of Jazz. All the Jazz Bands perform many different styles ranging from swing, rock, latin, funk, ballads, and more. Our goal is to help students strive to excel at a musical ensemble outside of the normal concert band, and express themselves through creating their own music in Jazz Improvisation. As a member of any Jazz Band, you must commit to attending all rehearsals and performances, as every individual plays a crucial role in our band.
Jazz Ensemble I
Jazz I is our top Jazz Band. It is made up of experienced jazz performers, with an emphasis on improvisation. In addition to the normal concerts and festivals, Jazz I members may be asked to perform in the local area.
Jazz Ensemble II
Jazz II is made up of experienced jazz performers. We place emphasis on learning lots of different styles, and learning how to play them accurately.
Jazz Ensemble III/IV
Jazz III is usually made up of younger students, new to Jazz Band, as well as students looking for an opportunity to try different jazz instruments. We place a great emphasis on having fun, and learning basic improv skills.
