Have Army Band audition, what should i play for it? [Jazz]

[kelto]

I am auditioning for the Army Band (42R) for Electric Bass, and was thinking of doing a Esperanza Spalding ("She got to you" or "Little Fly" or Charles Mingus ("Boogie Stop Shuffle" or "Moanin' ") number as my prepared material, does anyone have any comments or other suggestions for songs?
My only worry is that using a electric Bass might not give me a good sound or might stand out to much and i am trying to stay away from more fusiony stuff for the sake of showing my classical jazz chops

[totallyfrozen]

Ask Pacman. He's been a bassist in a military band for years.

[ForrestBrown]

When I auditioned (and passed) I played-

TOP-Only so much oil in the groud
Marvin Gaye-what's going on
Chick Corea-Spain
On green dolphin street
Eccles Sonata-Largo
Rush-YYZ
Dream Theatre-The dark eternal night

I sight-read a few pop and classical things afterword

It's fairily easy to score highly in the audition. Good Luck!

[waleross]

I saw them at a Jazz Music Conference back in the late 70's.
They played Take the A Train, Monster Big Band......Good Luck .......................

[Dr_Funkdamental]

Originally Posted by kelto

I am auditioning for the Army Band (42R) for Electric Bass, and was thinking of doing a Esperanza Spalding ("She got to you" or "Little Fly" or Charles Mingus ("Boogie Stop Shuffle" or "Moanin' ") number as my prepared material, does anyone have any comments or other suggestions for songs?
My only worry is that using a electric Bass might not give me a good sound or might stand out to much and i am trying to stay away from more fusiony stuff for the sake of showing my classical jazz chops

To be honest, you should do what you do well. Playing upright is a plus, but if you play it all on electric, it doesnt reflect anything bad on you. You will need atleast 3 diff styles (and more if you want), but it doesnt really matter what those styles are as long as you blaze whatever you play. For ex. I played Spain, The Chicken, and Autumn Leaves for my prep. pieces. Just remember they are looking for more than just chops. They want to hear groove, BASS playing, and how well you do at the diff styles. Ive been in for 12 yrs now, and I actually like the new auditions as they are geared more towards "players" and not just getting three hard pieces and playing them well. Heck, you can even do a country, rock, or gospel tune. Good luck with the audition! If you play any other instruments or can sing, thats even extra points for your score. Also you can get credit if you produce say a backing track on protools or show knowledge of production. Hope that helps!

[madmatt]

Play for Old Glory.

[kelto]

Originally Posted by totallyfrozen

Ask Pacman. He's been a bassist in a military band for years.

Thank you

Originally Posted by ForrestBrown

When I auditioned (and passed) I played-

TOP-Only so much oil in the groud
Marvin Gaye-what's going on
Chick Corea-Spain
On green dolphin street
Eccles Sonata-Largo
Rush-YYZ
Dream Theatre-The dark eternal night

I sight-read a few pop and classical things afterword

It's fairily easy to score highly in the audition. Good Luck!

Did you go in for a specific style or just auditioned for any style at all? on the go army site it said the bassist section is usually country/RnB/jazz/funk/salsa

[ForrestBrown]

Dr. Funk, Your in MD? I've yet to figure out where I'm going-Swearing in this weekend, any suggestions to where would be cool if there's a opening?

[ForrestBrown]

I didn't have a specific style I auditioned for. Bass players with the army are called to play everything so I brought a diverse selection of tunes. They are looking for overall musicianship rather then can you play a few tunes and thats it.

[Dr_Funkdamental]

Originally Posted by ForrestBrown

Dr. Funk, Your in MD? I've yet to figure out where I'm going-Swearing in this weekend, any suggestions to where would be cool if there's a opening?

Its really hard to judge a station by place. There are so many factors that go in making a duty station a great one. The atmosphere of the band, the Chain of Command, work tempo, etc. I tell all new soldiers, every band is different and you can never judge them all by one assignment. Its what you make it. I love this gig, and wouldnt trade any of the experiences, good or bad. Good luck and go for the best!

bassbygrace75@yahoo.com shoot me an email and we can talk.

[Dr_Funkdamental]

Originally Posted by ForrestBrown

I didn't have a specific style I auditioned for. Bass players with the army are called to play everything so I brought a diverse selection of tunes. They are looking for overall musicianship rather then can you play a few tunes and thats it.

This.

[Plays_For_Dog]

Play "Anchor's Away"

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by Plays_For_Dog

Play "Anchor's Away"

It's "Anchors Aweigh."