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  GrissomHigh School Band

jazz information

Scroll down for 25-26 jazz audition materials

Boost your knowledge of the 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 13th: CLICK HERE
 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.

2025-2026 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 4th. 
Download sheet music and recordings below by clicking the Audition Material Link to record yourself playing along.
​Auditions must be submitted BY MAY 4th.
Audition Requirements for Jazz Band
Placement auditions for the Grissom High School Jazz Bands are now LIVE!  Auditions will be held virtually, with video submissions due by May 4th.  Please note that the information below only applies for ALL current jazz band students.  

AUDITION MATERIALS:
Everyone submit 3 recordings. One with the scales, one with the etudes, and one with the Bb Blues improvisation (for extra credit).
Drums will submit 5 recordings of the etudes (1 video) with the four different styles.
Woodwind and Brass instruments

  1. Scales performed in legato 8th notes at a metronome marking of 132 bpm.
  2. A chromatic scale up and down for the range of your instrument (or what you deem to be your playable range.) Again, the scale should be performed in legato 8th notes at a metronome marking of 132 bpm.
  3. The etudes from the Jazz Band audition music
    1. Saxophones - both Medium Up Swing and Relaxed Swing etudes
    2. Trumpets - Medium Swing (measures 1 - 17 only)
    3. Trombones - Medium Swing (measures 1 - 9 only)
  4. Further consideration will be given to students who perform 1 but not more than 2 choruses of a Bb blues improvisation using the recordings provided on the website.
Scales:  Alto/Bari - Tenor Sax - Trumpet - Trombone - Guitar - Piano - Bass 

Etudes: Saxophones - Trumpet - Trombone - Guitar - Piano - Bass - Drums


EXTRA CREDIT Improvisation for everyone except drums: Play 1 to 2 choruses of the Bb Blues using this Play-along Track

Rhythm Section players (guitar, piano, bass)
1. Both of the prescribed etudes from the Jazz Band audition music
       Guitar - both Moderate Swing etudes (comp chords when only chords are written).
       Piano - Laid-back Swing and Bossa Nova etudes (comp chords when only chords are written).
       Bass - both Swing and Funk etudes (create a bass line when only chords are written)
EXTRA CREDIT Comp 1 choruses of Bb blues and 1 chorus of soloing using the provided recordings. Please use the recording WITHOUT your instrument. Piano - Guitar - Bass 

Drum Set
1. Both of the prescribed etudes from the Jazz Band audition music
2. Perform 16 bars of time in the following styles:
       Medium swing (132 bpm)
       Bossa nova (116 bpm)
       Funk (108 bpm)
       Any of a variety of Latin styles (tempo is your decision)

AUDITION SUBMISSION FORM DUE MAY 4TH!!!

1001 Haysland Road, Huntsville, AL 35802   256-428-8000  ext. 2111
Director of Bands -
Associate Director of Bands - Mr. Harris - [email protected]

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