Jazz Band Auditions

bigbandgraphic
Illustration by Naeim Rahmani

Thank you for your interest in the Bellevue College Jazz program. There are performance opportunities in both large and small ensembles. If you have any questions about the instrumental music program please contact me at: jim.sisko@bellevuecollege.edu

 To schedule an audition, please contact Jim Sisko at: jim.sisko@bellevuecollege.edu or by phone at: 425-564-4059 

2022-23 AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD ON:
Sep. 6th from 4-7 p.m. 
Sep. 7th from 4-7 p.m.
Sep. 8th from 4-7 p.m.
Or…by appointment.
Auditions are held in the band room (E129) which is adjacent to the Carlson Theater.

ALL NEW AND RETURNING INSTRUMENTALISTS ARE REQUIRED TO AUDITION. 

The audition requirements are as follows: 

Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone 

  • Perform a melody, a jazz etude or a solo transcription that most appropriately represents your skill set as a horn player. It should be no more than three minutes in length. 
  • Play two major and two minor (Dorian, melodic or harmonic) scales, two octaves, in 8th notes at any tempo above 80 beats per measure. 
  • You will be asked to sight-read two excerpts. One in a swing style and one in a Latin or rock style. 

Optional: If you improvise, prepare one tune of any style. Play the melody and improvise over two choruses of the tune. Please bring a device with the appropriate accompaniment tracks. 

Piano/Guitar/Bass 

  • Prepare and perform a jazz standard. Demonstrate your ability to interpret the melody and to accompany a soloist. 
  • Play two major and two minor (Dorian, melodic or harmonic) scales, two octaves, in 8th notes at any tempo above 80 beats per measure. 
  • You will be asked to sight-read two excerpts. One in a swing style and one in a Latin or rock style. 

Optional: If you improvise, prepare one tune of any style. Play the melody and improvise over two choruses of the tune. Please bring a device with the appropriate accompaniment tracks. 

Drums 

  • Demonstrate your ability to play the following styles at a variety of tempos: Swing, Bossa Nova, ¾ Jazz Waltz, and Rock/Funk. 
  • See attachment. Play comping rhythms page 1 with your left hand on the snare drum while playing a standard swing beat (right hand ride cymbal, bass drum softly on all 4 beats, hi-hat with left foot on 2 and 4). 
  • You will be asked to sight-read two excerpts. One in a swing style and one in a Latin or rock style. 

Last Updated May 24, 2023