Jazz Ensembles Auditions

Fall 2023

NOTE (8/21/23): If you are a new student who missed the audition video deadline but are still interested in joining a BU Jazz Ensemble, please email jazzband@bu.edu

Before you learn about the process below, we recommend you audition first, and THEN register for your jazz ensemble once placed in it. (Auditions are only for Big Band & Jazz Combos – there are no auditions necessary for Jazz Workshop – simply register for CFA MU 096/196 A1 – the zero-credit option is only available to students at/over their credit limit).

Audition Info for Big Band (“Jazz Ensemble”) & Jazz Combos:

Step 1: Complete the Join Form

(REQUIRED) Complete the Join Form so that we can notify you throughout the summer about auditions, etc.

Step 2: See New Audition Process for Fall 2023

  • All students will first audition via video (videos due by August 15 – see “Requirements for video auditions” below).
  • Veteran students who were enrolled in Big Band or Jazz Combos in the ’22-’23 academic year will not need to audition live this year. Your video will count as your audition.
  • Potential New Members will receive info about attending live auditions after video auditions are submitted (we will be in touch between August 16-20). Live auditions will occur on campus in the first week of September and be comprised of the same material – it’s a chance to get to know you in person!

Step 3: Prepare Your Audition Material

A few notes about video auditions:

  • Students may audition for multiple ensembles with a single audition video recording. Just state which ensemble(s) you’re auditioning for.
  • For Big Band, improvisation is optional and not required.
  • For students who do wish to solo in Big Band, please include improvisation in your audition video.
  • For students who want to be considered for lead trumpet or lead trombone in Big Band, please demonstrate your high range.
  • For students who want to be considered for bass trombone in Big Band, please demonstrate your low range.
  • Overall, we just want to hear you play!! Have fun, and simply show us what you’ve got.

Requirements for video auditions:

  • Video auditions should be emailed to jazzband@bu.edu by 11:59 PM Tuesday, August 15, 2023. If the attachment is too large to email, it may be shared via Google Drive with Aaron Goldberg (agold@bu.edu) and Warren Levenson (levenson@bu.edu).
    • Potential New Members will then receive info about live auditions by August 20 (live auditions will occur on campus in the first week of September for potential new members only).
  • Please title both your email and video file with your name, instrument, and ensemble(s) you’re auditioning for.
    • Example: “Aaron Goldberg, Trombone, Big Band”
  • If your audition includes the use of a backing track (see below), both you and the backing track must be heard clearly in your video.
  • If you have questions, please contact us at jazzband@bu.edu. We’re happy to hear from you!

 

If you have any questions, please contact us at jazzband@bu.edu or bands@bu.edu. Thank you!