Jazz Band Auditions

[chrisbass0013]

I want to audition for jazz band in the fall. I've been playing bass for three years and was just wondering if anyone could offer me some advice or links with exercises. I know basic walking patterns, some theory, and most scale/mode shapes and what notes chords are composed of. Is there anything else i should know? Keep in mind that one of the ensembles is following roots

 

[BlakeJustBlake]

I'm in the process of doing the same thing, practicing all summer to audition for a jazz band in the fall.

First you have to know what kind of band you're auditioning for. The ones that I'm auditioning for are primarily big bands, so what I'm focusing on is getting the basics down then moving on to big band specific technique. Another thing you need to know is how the audition is structured. The big bands I'm auditioning for place heavy emphasis on sight reading, so I'm centering a lot of my summer practice around building up my sight reading skills. If yours is more focused around repertoire, then I'd say start memorizing changes for as many standards as possible, especially ones that you think they'll focus on.

All in all, a good idea is to just get some CDs, get a real book, and start walking through as much as you can. If you can get fairly proficient at that, then I'm sure you've got a chance at the audition.

Personally, I've been getting A LOT of books.

 

[fdeck]

Sight reading is important. A book of walking technique might be a way to kill many birds with one stone, e.g., jazz style, chord changes, and note reading. Also, start listening to some of the greats such as Ray Brown.

 

[Scottgun]

What they said. If it's a big band, it's gonna be chart reading all the live long day. Even a small jazz combo/lab is gonna probably have quite a bit of it as well.

 

[chrisbass0013]

Thanks everyone, i talked to the conductor and she pretty much said work on reading. They also do clinics before auditions so i will try to make all of those. There is only three spots so i can only hope for the best (she said sometimes no one auditions and sometimes four do so)

 

[TheBasicBassist]

Just some guys that you might want to check out. The greats, to me; Jimmy Blanton, Oscar Pettiford, Bill Crowe, Vinnie Burke and, finally, the last great (imo) NHOP. NHOP did some fantastic work on a Duke Ellington/Count Basie DVD.

 

[derekd]

I keep about 4 students (mostly a guitar teacher/player) who are on their MS/HS ensembles. I seem to be the only guy in my immediate area that teaches jazz guitar/bass.

I use our own Ed Friedland's Building Walking Basslines book by Hal Leonard. Great book, very well laid out, and covers everything you need. That, along with the Real Book, and you are good to go. No short cuts, just work hard, and you will do fine. Good luck

http://www.amazon.com/Building-Walk...8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1275166559&sr=8-1

 

[Chris K]

+1 to all that's already been mentioned.

On top of that:
Show your balls, work on a really decisive, sturdy timing. Work on interacting with a live drummer and demonstrate that capacity at the audition.

So it might be a good idea to find some experienced chaps to practice a little in advance.