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Jazz
Ensembles      
Photographs copyrighted Texas A&M BandsTexas A&M University Bands offer two sections of Jazz Ensemble. Both bands utilize standard 17 piece, large jazz ensemble instrumentation for 13 winds and 4 rhythm section instruments. The bands perform select literature from the best traditional and contemporary big band jazz repertoire. The ensembles perform two concerts each semester, including campus and community performances. There is both a MWF and a T-Th section available to accommodate class scheduling. Both sections meet during the regular academic day and students receive one elective credit hour for participation. Some previous high school jazz band experience or formal private study is required, and students with TMEA Region, Area or State jazz experience are strongly encouraged to audition. Jazz Ensemble I Music 282, Section 501 / MWF 10:20-11:10 Jazz Ensemble II Music 282, Section 502 / T-Th 9:35-10:50 Auditioning Membership in the University Jazz Ensembles is based on a live audition. All students should perform a successful audition for the director as a pre-requisite for class registration. For current A&M students, auditions should take place the semester before enrollment in the bands. For incoming freshmen, auditions should take place just prior to or during the student's New Student Conference the summer before entering A&M. Wind Auditions • Wind players should prepare 4 Major scales in concert Bb, F, Eb and Ab through the comfortable range of the instrument. Students should prepare one medium swing tempo or faster selection and one ballad or Latin style selection. Students may use region jazz etudes, melodies from standard jazz tunes, or transcribed jazz solos that demonstrate style, musicality and technique on the instrument. For lead player auditions, one piece may be performed to a play along accompaniment to include improvisation. Rhythm Section Auditions Rhythm Section positions are the most selective positions because there is only one player per part. Previous high school jazz band experience or formal private study is essential for successful placement on these instruments. • Guitar / Piano players should prepare major scales covering the range of the instrument and demonstrate 4 basic chord types: major, minor, augmented, and diminished. Students should prepare 2 jazz tunes demonstrating melody and comping techniques in 2 contrasting jazz styles. One or both pieces may be performed to a play along accompaniment to include improvisation. • Bass players must be proficient reading bass music and chord progressions. Bass players should prepare major scales through the range of the instrument. Students should also prepare two choruses of a blues selection or one chorus of a 32 bar jazz standard utilizing walking quarter note bass lines. The audition will also include sight-reading a quarter note bass line and a more rhythmically challenging funk bass line. • Drummers should have some previous fundamental drum set experience or training. Students should be prepared to demonstrate specific drumming abilities for playing time and improvising fills in various styles of jazz music including medium or up –tempo swing, basic Latin, and rock or funk. The audition will also include sight-reading a simple big band style kick chart. Audition Scheduling To schedule an audition, contact Mr. Christopher Hollar at (979) 845-3529 (mornings only) or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Director Mr. Christopher Hollar is the Director of Jazz Ensembles at Texas A&M University. His jazz band office hours are 8-12 Monday through Friday at the E.V Adams Band Hall. |
