auditions

AUDITION INFORMATION: Each year the Littlebirds Band starts new. Being in the band one year does not guarantee being in the band in future years. Many students ask if they should audition; I think that the process is a learning one that all music students should go through, even if the outcome is not the desired one.

WIND players should prepare a solo transcription or song in any jazz style. The selection is your choice and composers to consider are Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, George Gershwin, Tito Puente, Wayne Shorter, etc. A copy of the music is required for use by the auditioners. Try to pick a selection that demonstrates your playing ability (style, technique, range -- high for trumpet; low range for bass trombone and bari).

BASS (upright and electric), GUITAR and PIANO players should play a jazz classic or standard song in any jazz style. Bass players must walk for 2 choruses minimum. The selection is your choice and composers to consider are Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, George Gershwin, Tito Puente, Wayne Shorter, etc. Guitar and piano players must comp for 2 choruses minimum (accompany with chords in appropriate rhythmic style, possibly with light fills at the ends of phrases).

To demonstrate improvisation abilities, wind players will have the option to improvise with Aebersold tracks during the audition. Be ready to play one chorus of Bb Rhythm Changes at an medium tempo, two choruses of F blues at a medium tempo. All rhythm section players are expected to improvise as part of the audition process over these two forms.

DRUMMERS need to be ready to play the following time patterns: Fast swing with both sticks and brushes. Medium swing with both sticks and brushes. Medium jazz waltz with both sticks and brushes. Bossa, samba, and Afro-Cuban 6/8.

In addition to prepared selections, there will be sight reading as part of the audition process.

CONDITIONS: Each member of the Littlebirds Big Band must be a member of their Junior High or Senior High band. For those who are successful, the annual non-refundable membership fee of $150 is payable at the first
rehearsal in September. Attendance is mandatory unless a player has good reason to be absent. Players who miss more than three rehearsals or who cannot attend one of our performances may be asked to resign. Players are responsible for all music and materials furnished to them by the Littlebirds. All players are required to take an active role in selling tickets to their own performances.

DATE: Sept 12th, 2010 (Sunday) from 11am to 4pm. An appointment is not necessary; come whenever you can. DRUMMERS please bring your own sticks and drum symbals.

LOCATION: Yardbird Suite, 11 Tommy Banks Way (corner of 103 Street & 86 Avenue)

Contact: email - joelgray@shaw.ca    phone - (780) 988-2778

Instrument List: Auditions are held for the following instruments:

Saxophone: Alto, Tenor, and Bari (doubling on flute/clarinet an asset).
Trombone: Tenor and Bass
Trumpet
Piano
Bass (doubling electric/acoustic an asset)
Guitar
Drums