JAZZ BANDS
Ensembles include the Purdue Jazz Band, American Music Repertory Ensemble (AMRE), Lab Jazz Bands I & II, Purdue Tower of Power Band, Concert Jazz Band, and Purdue Jazz Singers.
When are music auditions?
Incoming Freshmen & New Students: Please contact the following faculty member to schedule your virtual Q&A meeting and to find out the requirements for your audition:
- Jazz Bands – Dr. Trout, mttrout@purdue.edu
Complete link below to upload your audition (unlisted YouTube link):
- Jazz Bands – Jazz Bands Audition Submission – 2023
Audition Etudes & Requirements:
Instrumental Etudes (All Saxes, Trumpet, Trombone):
- Audition etudes are available HERE. Contact bandsinfo@purdue.edu for the password to access etudes.
- Play a chromatic scale two octaves or lowest to highest notes up and down.
- To be considered for PJB, AMRE, and TOP, candidates will play ETUDE A1 with all repeats improvising as directed over the provided accompaniment to this etude.
- Other candidates have a choice: either play ETUDE IA with background once then improvise two choruses over provided concert F or Bb blues recording track. Or choose one of the (Part C) etudes and improvise over provided concert F or Bb blues recording track.
- If you do not have access to the instruments needed to perform your audition, please contact Caitlin for alternative audition instructions.
Bass, Guitar, Vibes, and Piano Etudes:
- Audition etudes are available HERE. Contact bandsinfo@purdue.edu for the password to access etudes.
- Have a short excerpt (no more than one minute) prepared of anything that best demonstrates your skill level.
- To be considered for PJB, AMRE, and TOP candidates will play ETUDE 1A as written with any repeats and improvise as directed over the provided accompaniment to this etude.
- Other candidates have a choice: either play ETUDE 1A once with back track, then improvise two choruses over provided concert F or Bb blues recording track. Or choose one of the (Part C) etudes and improvise over provided concert F or Bb blues recording track.
- If you do not have access to the instruments needed to perform your audition, please contact Caitlin for alternative audition instructions.
Drum Set:
- Audition etudes are available HERE. Contact bandsinfo@purdue.edu for the password to access etudes.
- Play 8 bars of each of the following styles showcasing your skills with each:
- Medium Swing, Fast Swing, Bossa, Samba, Rock (Funk or HipHop)
- Play through the entire ETUDE 1A with the provided accompaniment recording following the directions on the etude.
- If you do not have access to the instruments needed to perform your audition, please contact Caitlin for alternative audition instructions.
Audition Tracks:
- Tracks are linked within the etudes.
- For blues use the following:
- Bb Blues (Cool Blues) backing track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxYtiIHcpVg
- F Blues backing track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg-Ea7aCb1E
Vocalist Auditions:
Soloist spots with various jazz bands and/or AMRE vocal group – all will sing with Purdue Jazz Singers!
- Prepare a ballad and an up-tempo jazz-style song that best showcase your voice. You should be able to sing a variety of music.
- Please have your music memorized.
- Please sing with an accompanist or a karaoke track on YouTube, but no a cappella singing.
- Vocalists who also play an instrument are encouraged to audition as instrumentalists, as well!
How should I format my virtual audition?
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- All video submissions must be unlisted YouTube links. Links via Dropbox or mp4/audio attachments will not be accepted. Please double check that your link is not set to private before submitting. If you need help figuring this out, here is a tutorial: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/157177?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
- Etudes and scales must be in one video, though it does not need to be one continuous take. Please do not submit more than one video unless you are auditioning for more than one ensemble.
- If you are auditioning for more than one ensemble, such as jazz band and concert band, or another combination, please submit 2 separate video auditions.
- There will be no sight-reading component.
Please include the following in the description of your YouTube posting:
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- Name
- Instrument
- Hometown/State
- Major
- Ensemble(s) you are auditioning for
- If also auditioning for AAMB, please note this.
How do I enroll in a jazz band?
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- Upon receiving your preliminary placement from Prof. Harris and Dr Trout, enroll with your academic advisor during your advising appointment. Upon receiving your final placement into your official ensemble near the end of July, you may be asked to adjust your schedule.
