2022 Jazz Audition Requirements

All new and returning musicians who are interested in participating in the Jazz Ensemble must audition. 

• Jazz Ensemble Auditions will last approximately 10 minutes each. 
• Prepare any jazz standard of your choice. Be prepared to play the melody and identify the scales and chords within the song’s structure.  
• Be prepared to play the melody and to solo upon a 12-bar blues of your choice. 
• Pianists and guitarists should also prepare to play the chords of both tune selections. 
• Bassists should also prepare to play bass lines for both tune selections.  
• Drummers will play their two selections with the Director, demonstrating accompaniment skills behind each melody and during solos performed by the Director. Drummers will also trade fours and/or eights with the Director.  
• Please note: you may bring lead sheets for both tune selections.

• Rosters for the ensemble will be emailed to auditionees and posted outside the Music Department Main Office (Goodspeed Hall, Room 309) and in the Logan Center for the Arts, on the Music Department Performance Program bulletin board (outside Room 214). 
• All musicians accepted for membership are expected to attend the organization’s first rehearsal (Wednesday October 5), as announced on the posted list. 

• Arrive early in order to be on time for your appointment. Each director has a very large number of auditions to hear, and needs to keep on schedule. 
• Guitarists and bassists: there will be an amp with a cable at the audition. Please arrive early to your audition so you can tune your instruments and be ready to play.  
• Pianists: there will be a piano for you to use.  
• Drummers: There will be a drum kit for you to use. Please bring your sticks and brushes. 
• Warm up thoroughly before the audition. Practice rooms on the lower level of the Logan Center for the Arts (915 E. 60th Street) will be available for this purpose during the entire audition period. 
• Remember that the goal of these auditions is to involve you in our Department of Music Performance Program, and to foster your musical growth while you are at the University of Chicago. The audition is not about playing perfectly, but honestly demonstrating your present capacity (strengths and limitations) as a musician and improviser so that the Director may develop a program for everyone’s improvement, growth, and enjoyment. Have fun and show us what you can do!