Jazz Band of America

Members are selected from recorded audition and application. Applicants receive written evaluation on their audition recording. The application fee is $45.

Use the link above to access backing tracks and excerpts to use for your audition (“Download Audition Excerpts”).

JAZZ BAND OF AMERICA: WINDS AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

• Prepared Etude and Improvisation: All wind and brass players should record themselves playing the Music for All Jazz Band of America Etude #1 Melody accompanied by the backing track provided, playing the rest of the track as an improvised solo.
  • No editing or splicing of multiple takes will be permitted.
• You must submit your audition using the Music for All play along accompaniment. Please make sure that your audition is heard clearly over the backing track.
  • TIP: Do a short test recording and be sure to listen back to ensure the sound quality for both your performance and the backing track is as desired.
• Please make sure that you are visible on camera for the entire performance.
• Note that a Demo recording of the excerpt has been provided for your reference.

• Lead/Section Trumpet, Section/Bass Trombone, or Baritone Saxophone ONLY: All students wishing to be considered for a lead part must play the Top Octave when located in the etude.
  • OPTIONAL for LEAD audition: You may also send a separate recording of your choosing that demonstrates your lead playing abilities – no more than 3 minutes in length. This SHOULD be a separate recording upload.

JAZZ BAND OF AMERICA: PIANO / GUITAR / VIBES AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Prepared Selection: All Piano, Guitar, and Vibraphone players should record themselves playing the Music for All Jazz Band of America Etude #1 melody as well as the comping line and improvised solo for remainder of the etude.

• You must use the backing track that has been provided by MFA – that has the piano / guitar part removed – for your recording. Please make sure that your audition is heard clearly over the backing track.
  • TIP: Do a short test recording and be sure to listen back to ensure the sound quality for both your performance and the backing track is as desired.
• No editing or splicing of multiple takes will be permitted.
• Please make sure that you are visible on camera for the entire performance.
• Note that a Demo recording of the excerpt has been provided for your reference.

JAZZ BAND OF AMERICA: BASS AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Prepared Selection: All Bass players should record themselves playing the Music for All Jazz Band of America Etude #1 melody, as well as the Walking Bass Line and improvised solo for the remaining measures of the etude. Please perform the etude in one take.

• You must use the backing track that has been provided by MFA – that has the bass part removed – for your recording. Please make sure that your audition is heard clearly over the backing track.
  • TIP: Do a short test recording and be sure to listen back to ensure the sound quality for both your performance and the backing track is as desired.
• No editing or splicing of multiple takes will be permitted.
• Please make sure that you are visible on camera for the entire performance.
• Also note that a Demo recording of the excerpt has been provided for your reference.

JAZZ BAND OF AMERICA: DRUM SET AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

1. Demonstrate Time: Latin, Ballad (brushes), Hip Hop/Funk and Up-Tempo Swing. Play these song forms for at least 1 minute in each style and include 1 chorus of improvisation for each style.
2. A 2 to 5-minute video segment playing time with a big band (not soloing). Live preferred but if not available, play-alongs are accepted. Include materials authored by Steve Houghton and/or Gordon Goodwin.

• Make each submission of style a separate upload. Do not splice or edit recordings within individual uploads.
• Please make sure that you are visible on camera for the entire performance.
  • TIP: Do a short test recording and be sure to listen back to ensure the sound quality for both your performance and the backing track/ensemble is as desired.

Audition Video Recommendations:

• Since this is the only chance for the student to be heard, the quality of the recording should be of utmost consideration. The quality of your recording will affect the evaluators’ ability to review and comment. A high quality audio and video recording is expected.
• Your audition should be prepared like any professional audition.
• Dress for performance. An evening gown and tux are not necessary, but ripped jeans, ball caps and tank-tops are not professional.
• Consider lighting, framing, and camera placement. Film in a well-lit space, and be sure that there is more lighting in front of you (rather than from behind).
• Stay away from clutter, use a simple back ground. No food, laundry, music, instrument cases, or other distractions should be in the shot.
• We recommend using a tripod, stand, or place camera on a flat surface while shooting.
• Place the camera so that you, your instrument, and your full range of motion are in the frame at all times. When using music, be sure the music stand does not block your face, hands, or instrument.
• Choose a medium distance that shows as much detail as possible, while still allowing the image to be framed as described above. Do not use the zoom function as this makes the image grainy or fuzzy.
• Try to avoid using “selfie” mode on your devices as it does not allow for a wide enough camera angle.
• Be aware of the acoustic environment in which you record. Background noise (television noise, other people practicing, dancing, cooking, etc.) and poor sound quality make your recording difficult to evaluate. If you are recording from your phone or tablet, it should be set horizontally. Be sure to set it in Airplane mode or Do Not Disturb mode to avoid interruptions.
• Review your recording(s) before you submit and check the sound level to ensure the best audio quality.
• Only unedited recordings can be accepted, and should be in high fidelity stereo. Other than stopping and starting the camera between segments (such as full scales and excerpts), no editing of the audio or video is permitted. Applicants whose videos show evidence of any cuts, splicing, manipulation of pitch, or other alteration within a performance segment will be subject to disqualification.
• It is encouraged to state your name, age, high school and state at the beginning of your audition recording.

Music for All’s tradition of outstanding national honor ensembles showcasing the finest high school musicians includes the Jazz Band of America. The Jazz Band of America is comprised of high school musicians, selected by recorded audition. The Jazz Band of America is recognized as one of the top honor ensembles for young musicians in the nation, with a prestigious legacy and reputation for the highest level of excellence. Many members of the Jazz Band of America are also selected for the GRAMMY® jazz bands. Past conductors and guest artists include Patti Austin, Shelly Berg, Wayne Bergeron, Ndugu Chancler, John Clayton, Lou Fischer, Wycliffe Gordon, Wynton Marsalis, Ron McCurdy, Allen Vizzutti and Phil Woods.