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)

• • Alto and Baritone Saxophone
  • Tenor Saxophone
  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Guitar & Piano 
  • Bass
  • Drums

Level 2 – for intermediate/advanced instrumentalists

(based on the standard jazz song “In a Mellow Tone”)

• • Alto and Baritone Saxophone
  • Tenor Saxophone
  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Bass Trombone
  • Guitar & Piano
  • Bass
  • Drums

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 (16^th notes, triplets. etc.)

Your private music instructor and/or band/choir director can be helpful to you as you prepare for this audition.

REGISTRATION