All-State Jazz Audition Advice?

[Deminicus]

Okay, I have the second and final round of all-state jazz auditions this upcoming Saturday (same day my school band has a parade, but my band director said he really would rather I go to this audition, and that I can make it up to him either by making the spot or marching the parade route by myself later holding a sousaphone, lol. pretty awesome guy) and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on things I can do to get ready or of what to expect. I've been practicing insanely, but I admit, I'm really nervous. I'm a junior, and this is my first year doing this kind of audition (i made the first round audition with apparently a pretty high score, though they didn't show me, but kind of makes me feel a little proud because I was freaking out about thinking I'd be late and everyone would be gone), and I love jazz a lot, just like how I love my bass, but I really have no idea what level of music to expect at the audition to sightread. It's a Georgia audition if that helps (i heard that the level of difficulty in lots of auditions of this sort often vary depending on the region/state and the event's following). First round was pretty easy, some sightreading, very little improv, and scales. We have to do more sightreading this next round, two etudes, and "a lead melody, followed by improvising 2 choruses over standard blues chord changes in the sight-reading example" (not 100% sure what that means, lol, but I'm assuming it'll be basically about the same as first round).

I heard a lot of people play upright basses for this audition, which has me slightly worried, because i have to audition on my left-handed electric bass (though personally, there is no other bass I would rather do this on). I know there will be about 8 people in second round auditioning for the spot of bass player, and am sure a few will have upright basses, because their schools are pretty well-funded, but I don't know what to expect in terms of playing ability (i mean, how can you predict that).

What I'm really asking is, how should I prepare for this audition besides what I've been already doing? I've been practicing my improvisation, and bought a couple sightreading books already. Just want to make sure I've covered every plank in the bridge before I cross.

[Zombbg4]

Being prepared is key and it sounds like you're good there. Now to be honest, being an electric only player you're at a disadvantage. I'm sure some of the other players double on DB and EB. Now, if you come out swinging a bass line like **** they maye see past that. You may want to experiment with techniques so you can get a variety of tones to fit the music. Check out Anthony Jackson, he's got the palm muted walking line down. Best of luck man, if you do make it it will be an amazing experience playing with the states top HS jazz musicians.

[dave64o]

Congrats on getting this far. One of my nephew's played in the Georgia's Governor's School jazz band and the All-State a few years ago. He loved it and is now in the music performance program at Central Florida and doing very well. He's amazing, I wish I could have even 1% of his ability....

I've never gotten to that kind of level in music, but my son is planning to audition for the a junior high level jazz band this winter. About six months in advance they published the audition requirements and he's been practicing them since the announcement. If you have access to a list of specific requirements then definitely start with that and make sure you can nail everything they require. Then focus on any areas you feel are you're weakest and work on them to bringing those areas up to your overall level.

In short, practice your ass off and good luck! I wish I started playing way back then so I could have had the opportunity to have some of these kinds of experiences. I was involved in sports and had similar ones back in school, but I didn't start getting into music until a few decades later.