Jazz

Overview

Jazz Bands
Otto Lee, director

(Updated Sep. 3):

UC Davis Jazz Band and Combo Auditions

  • Auditions for the jazz bands and combos will be held on Thursday, Sep. 25, 12:00–8:00 p.m. and Friday, Sep. 26, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Room 214, Music Building. Everyone should audition for jazz band regardless of past membership.

  • Rehearsals

    • Each Big Band will meet on both Tuesday and Thursday for a total of 2 rehearsal hours a week.
      • T and TH 12:10–2:00 p.m., Mus140, Sec 1 (2 units)
        **this is a new time compared to last school year

      • T and TH 4:10–6:00 p.m., Mus140, Sec 3 (2 units)

    • Combos will meet a faculty member for 1 hour a week. Times will be worked out by each combo and the faculty leader after auditions have concluded and results have been posted.

      • Combos will be limited to 6 players per group. 

      • Those planning to be in a combo should have a free hour in their schedule between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and / or Thursdays, or Fridays between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Having said availability in your schedule does not guarantee that you will be placed in a combo this quarter.

      • 1 hour (arranged with the instructor), Mus 146 Sec 6 (1 unit)

​​​​Auditions for the Big Bands will consist of

  • Instrumentalists: performance the melody of Groovin High, with backing track, at 150 bpm.

  • Singers will be asked to sing the melody to There is no Greater Love in a key of your choosing.

    • Those interested in improvising throughout the quarter will be asked to improvise over a C blues.

Auditions for the Combo will consist of

  • a performance of Ornithology (quarter-note = 180) where you will play the melody and one chorus of an improvised solo, with backing track.

    • Please note that the C chart will only be provided and that non-C instruments will need to transpose their part. 

  • You will need to turn in an availability sheet at the time of your audition (combo only)

Auditions for either ensemble

  • Those auditioning for both Big Band and Combo need to sign up for only one audition time.

  • Drummers auditioning for either band will be asked to play a variety of styles. A kit will be available. Combo drummers will be asked to play the melody of Ornithology on the drum set, with backing track, at 180 bpm.

  • Combo singers will be asked to sing the melody to Donna Lee as well one chorus of improvised solo, with backing track, at 210 bpm.

Sign up for an audition time online.

For any questions, or any issues, contact Otto Lee (oglee@ucdavis.edu).

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