Thank you for your interest in the YVHS Jazz Ensemble! I am excited to hear each and every one of you play, and I anticipate having another OUTSTANDING band for 2021-2022. Here is the information you will need to prepare for your audition.
If you play flute, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, vibes, or bass your audition will consist of the following:
- All audition materials are located below. Make sure to listen to the reference recording!
- The required selection, “Bari, Bari Good” by Andy Clark — Beginning to measure 9, measures 25-41, and measures 59-65.
- Sight reading (16-32 measures of a song you will not see until your audition)
If you play baritone saxophone
- All audition materials are located below. Make sure to listen to the reference recording!
- The required selection, “Bari, Bari Good” by Andy Clark — measures 8-39 and measures 66-67.
- Sight reading (16-32 measures of a song you will not see until your audition)
If you play drum set, your audition will consist of the following:
- All audition materials are located below. Make sure to listen to the reference recording!
- The required selection, “Bari, Bari Good” by Andy Clark — Beginning to measure 9, measures 25-41, and measures 59-65.
- A demonstration of your ability to play drum set patterns AND fills in the following patterns: swing, shuffle, jazz waltz, rock, samba, and bossa nova.
- Sight reading (16-32 measures of a song you will not see until your audition)
If you are auditioning for Jazz Band vocalist
- You will choose your own audition song. It must be in a jazz style (think Etta James, Billie Holiday, Michael Buble, etc.)
- Make sure you have an accompaniment track (no lyrics; background vocals are OK) for your audition.
- There will be no scales or sight-reading for the vocalist audition.
- Sign up for an audition time using the link below.
The following equipment will be available for your use at auditions (you will need to bring anything else you need that is not listed).
- A drum set with snare drum, bass drum, 2 toms, hi-hat, ride cymbal, 2 crash cymbals, and a drum stool.
- A piano
- A Fender Bass Amp (bass players please bring your own bass and cables)
- A Line 6 Spider IV Guitar Amp (guitar players please bring your own guitar and cables).
- A vibraphone
- Chairs and music stands will be provided.
Please remember the following
- You are auditioning for the TOP instrumental ensemble at Yucca Valley High School; please come prepared!
- Grades and behavior WILL be looked at and taken into account when determining who is selected for the ensemble.
- This ensemble performs challenging music; a solid work ethic is REQUIRED.
- There will be required individual/sectional practice outside of school hours. Please do not underestimate the TIME COMMITMENT that being a member of this ensemble requires.
- This ensemble requires a full-year commitment. Please only audition if you are serious about being a member.
- There is a required uniform for this ensemble (black dress pants, long sleeve black dress shirt, black dress shoes). Please plan to purchase these items before the first performance (the first Saturday & Sunday in October). There will also be other costs (weekend festival, etc.) Students are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to participate in fundraisers to help the entire ensemble.
- This ensemble will participate in festivals off-campus both during and outside of the school day. ALL REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES ARE REQUIRED. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Auditions are scheduled for the following days and times ONLY:
- June 5, 6, and 7 from 2:00-5:00 pm in 15-minute increments.
If you or your parents have any questions or would like to speak to me further about the Jazz Ensemble, please send me an email. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you.
Sincerely,
Alyssa Fejeran, Director of Music
Yucca Valley High School
Audition Downloads
Reference Recording
