Fall 2025
Jazz Ensemble Auditions

 

Each ensemble rehearses throughout the semester and performs concerts on campus as well as off-campus.

A number of guest artist clinicians work with students each semester in masterclasses, private lessons, and side-by-side performances.

Performance opportunities include:

Jazz Ensemble One (Big Band)

MUP 170-14, 270-14, 370-14, 470-14, 670-14

Tues/Thurs. 5:00-6:30pm

Jazz Ensemble II (big band)

MUP 170-15, 270-15, 370-15, 470-15, 670-15

Tues/Thurs. 3:30-4:45pm

Multiple Jazz Combos

Schedule TBD based on student/instructor availability

(1 90-min. rehearsal per week)

We also offer jazz improvisation courses.

Jazz Improv I (MUP 241) is offered in the Fall semester and is open to all students (prior music theory knowledge required).

Ensemble auditions will take place on Tuesday, August 26th, 3:00-7:00pm in the

Performing and Fine Arts Building (37A), rm. 139.

Audition sign-ups will be posted on Monday, August 18th on the Jazz Studies bulletin board outside Rm. 139.

Please be sure to download the applicable packet for your instrument, the accompaniment track for Have You Met Miss Jones? and fill out the included Student Information Form.

Each ensemble rehearses throughout the semester and performs concerts on campus as well as off-campus. A number of guest artist clinicians work with students each semester in masterclasses, private lessons, and side-by-side performances.

We look forward to hearing your auditions and working with you in the coming year. Alternate audition days/times are possible if necessary. Please be in touch with any questions.

 

Audition materials

To access the audition materials for this upcoming semester, please complete the following steps:

1. Self-enroll in the Canvas course “Ensemble Placement Reference”.
2. Log into Canvas by using your NAU ID.
3. On the Ensemble Placement Reference home page, you can now view and download your instrument’s audition excerpt as a PDF.

During your audition, you will:

1. Perform the etude in your instrument’s packet, as you would in a big band setting.

2. Interpret a melody and (optionally) improvise 1-2 choruses.

LEAD TRUMPET: Perform the  lead trumpet excerpt found in your packet instead of the regular excerpt

RHYTHM SECTION: Perform at least one additional chorus of accompaniment (i.e. walking bass line, comping for guitar/piano)

DRUMS: play the excerpt in your packet and demonstrate a variety of feels / tempos as requested in the audition.

Be sure to read all instructions.

Questions:

Chris Finet
String Bass and Jazz Studies
NAU School of Music
christopher.finet@nau.edu