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Grissom High School Band

jazz information

Boost your knowledge of the Jazz Blues by watching this video NOW. CLICK HERE.

Everything you ever wanted to know about JAZZ!!!!

DOWNLOADABLE FILES
100 Historically Significant Jazz Recordings
Aebersold Jazz Handbook (incredible resource for all jazz musicians)
Jazz Improvisation Guide
Jazz Lessons with Jazz Giants

WEBSITES TO HELP YOU LEARN TO PLAY JAZZ
Play Jazz Now Guide
Guide to Jazz Theory
Jazz Advice
JazzEdNet username: tradjazz password: tradjazzistoday
Jazz 101
Swing Central Jazz
Jazz @ Lincoln Center Jazz Academy
NPR Jazz site
Jazz In America Resources
JazClass Online Courses
Berklee School of Music Courses

APPS TO HELP YOU LEARN TO PLAY JAZZ
iReal Pro
​

VIDEO IMPROVISATION LESSONS
Dennis DeBlasio Videos
Jazz Improvisation Lessons
Matt Otto Lessons

Requirements for incoming 9th graders:
Saxophone – Trumpet – Trombone
Open enrollment for all 9th grade students that play the above wind instruments! 

All Rhythm Section players must upload an audition recording here by May 15th: https://forms.gle/Gqjgz37SdDj11mR87
 The requirements are listed below.  All orange text are files are links to use. Prepare and record yourself playing the Blues scale listed and the piece "Tenor Madness". Go HERE to listen to the tune "Tenor Madness" 

Piano
Guitar
Bass
Drums
  1. Play 16 measures each of the following styles at appropriate tempos:
  • Swing – medium tempo (quarter = 120bpm)
  • Swing – fast tempo (quarter = 172bpm)
  • Latin – medium tempo (quarter = 128bpm)
  • Funk – medium tempo (quarter = 96bpm)
  • Play along with the tune “Hava a Nice Day” (be sure to record yourself with the track “without drums”). Listen to the recording “with drums” to get ideas on what to play.

2022-2023 Jazz Band Audition Materials for current Grissom High School Students

All students must submit their auditions to the google form link below in one video file with ALL audition material below by May 2nd. 
Download sheet music and recordings below by clicking the Audition Material Link to record yourself playing along.
​Auditions must be submitted BY MAY 2nd.
Audition Requirements for Jazz Band
Placement auditions for the 2022-2023 Grissom High School Jazz Bands are now LIVE!  Auditions will be held virtually, with video submissions due by May 2nd.  Please note that the information below only applies for the A Jazz Band audition. Students who do not successfully audition into A Jazz will automatically be placed in B Jazz. Students can also opt-in directly for B Jazz; no audition required except for rhythm section players who must audition. Please read the information below carefully and let Mr. Vernon know if you have any questions john.vernon@hsv-k12.org :

AUDITION MATERIALS - CLICK HERE
​
SIGN-UP FORM - 
CLICK HERE

PREPARED EXCERPTS
Please note that memorization of these excerpts is NOT REQUIRED. Students are  welcome to read off of their sheet during the audition video and can annotate the sheet music to their advantage. Students must  pay close attention to note/rhythm accuracy, tempo markings, articulations, dynamics, and other musical markings/inferences.
1. Major Blues Scales
For Woodwinds/Brass/Rhythm Section:
  • Perform each of the scales at no less than 100 bpm
2. Rhythm Figures
For Woodwinds/Brass/Guitar/Piano/Bass:
  • Perform each of the 4 figures at no less than 100 bpm on a concert Bb pitch
  • Pay close attention to the written articulations and how it affects the note lengths, releases, and attacks
  • Pay close attention to the stylistic markings above each figure (straight vs. swing)
For Drumset:
  • Perform each of the 3 figures at no less than 100 bpm
  • Pay close attention to the stylistic markings above each figure (rock vs. bossa vs. swing)
  • Add fills at the end of each figure that are appropriate for the marked styles
3. Jazz Standard Excerpt (What Am I Here For? – Duke Ellington)
For Woodwinds/Brass/Bass:
  • Perform the excerpt with accompanying backtrack
  • Students are free to add embellishments to the melody/rhythms and add  interpretive articulations (-, ., >, ^) that are appropriate to the “swing” style and chord changes
  • Students are free to improvise measures C to the end – NOT REQUIRED. Points will not be deducted for not improvising. Students who choose to improvise  will be considered for part placement that includes the most solo opportunities
For Guitar/Piano/Drumset:
  • Perform the excerpt with accompanying backtrack
  • Perform  the excerpt in a “comping” style – play the written chords using  appropriate rhythms and countermelodies that support the melody line
  • Piano players only:  DO NOT play the melody on the right hand. It is there for reference only. Perform the chords of the piece in a “comping” style that supports  the melody line (listen to the  piano part on the backtrack for reference on comping)
  • Drum-set players only: The cued rhythms are the reference for the melody. DO NOT play the cued rhythms as is. Perform a steady swing groove that compliments  and supports the melody’s rhythms

1001 Haysland Road, Huntsville, AL 35802   256-428-8000  ext. 2111
Director of Bands - Mr. Vernon - john.vernon@hsv-k12.org
Associate Director of Bands - Mr. Harris - brent.harris@hsv-k12.org

Copyright © 2021-2022 Grissom Band Parents Assoc.
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  • Bands
    • History - Awards and Recognitions
    • Trophies
    • Band Downloads
    • Student Leaders
    • Photos
  • Parents/Finances/Forms/MyMusicOffice
  • Band Calendar
  • Fundraisers
  • Concerts
  • Future Band Members
  • Grissom Band Store
  • Directors
  • Jazz Information
  • Color Guard
  • Colleges and Pro Musician Links
  • SPRING TRIP 2023
  • Audition Results