Jazz

Overview

Jazz Bands
Otto Lee, director

Otto Lee

(Updated Aug. 26):

UC Davis Jazz Band and Combo Auditions

Auditions for the jazz bands and combos will be held on Thursday, September 24, 12:00–5:00 p.m. and Friday, September 25, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in Room 214, Music Building. Everyone should audition for jazz band regardless of past membership.

*CRN will be provided after auditions are complete

Rehearsals

  • Each Big Band will meet on both Tuesday and Thursday for a total of 4 rehearsal hours a week

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

    • T and TH 7:10–9:00 p.m., Mus140, Sec 3 (2 units) *new time

  • 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. Availability is subject to change.

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

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

  • Instrumentalists

    • ​Performance of the melody of “Half Nelson” by Miles Davis

    • Scales (concert pitch): Eb major, D harmonic minor

    • Sight Reading example (8–16 measures)

  • Singers

    • Performance of the melody to “Exactly Like You” by Jimmy McHugh

    • Sight Reading example (8–16 measures)

    • Please provide your own backing track in your key.

Auditions for the Combos (including singers) will consist of

  • Performance of “Song for Bilbao” by Pat Metheny

  • Send your schedule (class and/or work) to Dr. Lee via email (combo only).

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

Drummers (a kit will be available)

  • Bring sticks and brushes

  • Drummers auditioning for either band will be asked to play a variety of styles.

  • All drummers are expected to know the melodies of the tunes for the ensembles they are auditioning for.

​Sign up for an audition time online.

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

Faculty Profile

Otto Lee
Lecturer in Music
Director of Jazz Bands

D.M.A. Jazz Studies, University of Colorado-Boulder 2017M.A. Instrumental Music Performance, California State University, Fresno 2012B.A. Instrumental Jazz Performance, California State University, Fresno 2010

California native Otto Lee is a saxophonist, educator, and composer. After completing a bachelor of arts degree in instrumental jazz performance (2010) and a master’s degree in music performance (2012) at California State University Fresno, he began his teaching career at CSU Fresno as well as Fresno Pacific University where he was in charge of the big band applied lessons. After spending a brief stint as the director of jazz studies at CSU Fresno, he decided to pursue a DMA in Jazz Studies from University of Colorado, Boulder (2017).

Room 101, Music Building
oglee[remove-this-and-replace-with-at]ucdavis.edu