Jazz Ensemble Auditions
Mt. Hood Community College
Auditions for the Mt. Hood CC Jazz Band will take place during the first week of Fall Term. Members do not need to reaudition at the start of each term unless there is a new seat to be filled. Please contact Dan Davey, the Director of Jazz Studies, at daniel.davey@mhcc.edu with any questions.
Audition Requirements:
Jazz candidates should be prepared to:
Please select from the following:
Jazz Standard
Ballad
Blues
Range Check - Play your “C” scale starting on the low C and going as high as you are capable (horns only).
Sight-Reading - Candidates will be asked to sight read written lines and interpret chord symbols,
Scales - Candidates will be asked to play major, minor, dorian, or mixolydian scales. Drummers should demonstrate abilities to play various styles, including swing, rock, funk, Latin, and ballad. Guitarists and pianists should show comping abilities. Bassists should demonstrate ability to walk a bass line through changes.
Lead Sheet PDFs:
Mixolydian Scales:
Dorian Scales: (Coming soon!)
Resources for Drum Set:
Items to bring to your Jazz Audition:
Items we will provide for your Jazz Audition:
Mt. Hood Community College
Auditions for the Mt. Hood CC Jazz Band will take place during the first week of Fall Term. Members do not need to reaudition at the start of each term unless there is a new seat to be filled. Please contact Dan Davey, the Director of Jazz Studies, at daniel.davey@mhcc.edu with any questions.
Audition Requirements:
Jazz candidates should be prepared to:
- Perform a tune from the list below of varying styles.
- Perform one additional piece of the candidate's choice that best displays tone and technique.
- Students may perform either with a faculty rhythm section or a recorded rhythm section (iReal app, etc.).
- Students are expected to demonstrate jazz phrasing and improvisational skills (two or more choruses).
- Candidates should research recordings of their selections to model in the audition.
Please select from the following:
Jazz Standard
Ballad
Blues
Range Check - Play your “C” scale starting on the low C and going as high as you are capable (horns only).
Sight-Reading - Candidates will be asked to sight read written lines and interpret chord symbols,
Scales - Candidates will be asked to play major, minor, dorian, or mixolydian scales. Drummers should demonstrate abilities to play various styles, including swing, rock, funk, Latin, and ballad. Guitarists and pianists should show comping abilities. Bassists should demonstrate ability to walk a bass line through changes.
Lead Sheet PDFs:
Mixolydian Scales:
Dorian Scales: (Coming soon!)
Resources for Drum Set:
- Musical Styles & Fills
- Drumstick, Cymbal & Stick Selection
- Instrument Setup & Fundamental Techniques
- Beyond Basics
- Ensemble Playing
Items to bring to your Jazz Audition:
- Your instrument
- Drummers: sticks, brushes
- Guitarists/Bassists: your own cable
Items we will provide for your Jazz Audition:
- Amplifiers
- Drum Set
- Piano
- Stereo System