Mr. Seaton,

I plan on attending UNT in a year and I'm interested in top labs. I've heard from a friend who has his Masters in Woodwinds from UNT and another friend who was a former UNT bass student, that the ability to sightread bigband charts with great feel is probably the deciding factor for entry into the One O'clock Lab. Would you agree?

I have a year and a large musical library at my disposal, so I'm planning on spending a good bit of time perfecting my chart reading, in hopes of getting into a great group. I guessing with only 50 minutes of rehearsal, the group must be full of perfect readers.

Hello,
Thanks for your interest in UNT. All are welcome to email me directly with UNT questions at lseaton@music.unt.edu . The ability to sight read charts is part of an audition. A typical audition includes reading notes, chord changes, and soloing. It may be big band charts, lead sheets, or other arrangements. You said you were planning on attending in a year. Please see the website to get information on how to apply and what to include. Be advised that there are two applications involved- one to the main university and another separate one to the college of music. Live auditions are encouraged in addition to submitting a video. Go to www.jazz.unt.edu

I believe I have all my guns in a row as far as the admission process is concerned. I'm just waiting on the university response before I send in the college of music application materials and video. I will be trying to schedule a live audition asap, but I'm not 100% positive that I'll be able to make it down to Texas prior to January 09, as the band I'm in is working up a tour of the states and, possibly, south west asia.

Thanks for the speedy reply and I'll be sure to email you any questions that arise.

Matt Smith