Jazz Band – by audition only (open to 10, 11, and 12 graders)
Jazz Band is an advanced two semester class, which focuses on various jazz, rock and popular styles of music. They perform extensively in the community, at festivals, school concerts, and the Spring Trip.
Instrumentation for Jazz Band is limited to the following: 2 Alto Saxes, 2 Tenor Saxes, 1 Baritone Sax, 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, 1 Drum-set, 1 Bass Guitar, 1 Guitar, and 1 Piano.
If selected, students are expected to maintain their high level of musicianship through private lessons and practice. They also need to commit to possible after- school rehearsals, extra concerts, and other events.
Jazz Band Audition requirements –
Winds – Bb Blues Scale, F Blues Scale, Jazz Solo Improvisation using the 12 bar Bb Blues progression, and Sight-reading. (Jamey Aebersold’s “How to play Jazz and Improvise” is a great resource. ANY Aebersold book is good)
Guitar – 2- Solos (one MUST be Jazz-blues). Improvise using 12 bar Bb Blues progression. Sight-reading.
Bass – 2 Solos (one MUST be Jazz-blues) – 1 Walking bass line in 12 bar F blues progression. Sight-reading
Drum-set – Swing Pattern, Bossa Nova Pattern, Funk pattern, (all with a steady tempo) Solo, and Sight-reading.
Piano – Same as Winds and Guitars as well as playing chords and “comping.”
Jamey Aebersold books can be found online at www.jazzbooks.com or Pasadena’s Old Town Music.
We ask that students purchase a Jazz Polo Shirt which is worn at gigs ($30.00), and to donate towards jazz coaches. We do fundraising throughout the year to keep these expenses as low as possible.
Online Audition Sign-ups will be available March 14 2024 for the 2024-2025 school year.
Auditions will be the week of April 3-12, 2024. Click –Here– for Online Audition form or email Mr. Schick at MSchick@gusd.net