AUDITION INFORMATION
CYJ Instrumental Lab Audition Requirements 2023 – 2024:
All instrumentalists (new and returning) must audition for the CYJ Instrumental Lab. Auditions will be held on Sunday, January 14th from 2:00-3:30pm. We will use our 2020 audition etudes for the spring 2024 CYJ Lab audition.
1.) Students will be asked to play the ascending and descending concert B-Flat major scale. (Brass: two octaves if possible).
2.) Choose ONE selection from the following etudes. Students will be asked to perform the song two times through (take the repeat): First time: play the written melody, Second time: perform an improvised solo. When in doubt about improvising on the song, simply restate the melody, utilizing new rhythms and variations!
Level 1 – for beginning/intermediate instrumentalists
(based on the 12-bar blues in the key of concert F)
Level 2 – for intermediate/advanced instrumentalists
(based on the standard jazz song “In a Mellow Tone”)
3.) You will be asked to perform a sight reading excerpt, to be chosen by the panel based on age/skill level.
CYJ Vocal Lab Audition Requirements 2023 – 2024:
All vocalists (new and returning) must audition for the CYJ Vocal Lab. Auditions will be held on Sunday, January 14th from 1:00-3:00pm. Registrants will audition in the order they arrive.
Students must perform one tune from the Great American Songbook/jazz standard repertoire or similar genre. If you are unsure if a tune is acceptable, please email Rachel Azbell at razbell@jazzartsgroup.org for approval. Please note: starting in spring 2024, the song you audition with will be the solo tune you will sing in Vocal Lab if selected to do so.
Scat singing/improvisation is not mandatory but highly encouraged. Please bring a lead sheet or sheet music in your key OR a backing track that you can sing along with.
Audition Advice:
We look forward to hearing you play and want you to have a successful audition and experience. As you play through your audition, we will be listening/watching for the following:
- Your sound and tone/touch
- Your ability to read music
- Ability to demonstrate a jazz or swing feel
- Knowledge of basic scales
- Basic knowledge of counting and playing rhythms (16th notes, triplets. etc.)
Your private music instructor and/or band/choir director can be helpful to you as you prepare for this audition.