How+to+Audition+for+Jazz+Band

 __How to Audition for Jazz Band __ Want to audition for Jazz Band this year? There are just a few steps to follow. I auditioned for Jazz Band last year, so I can teach you the process. You can learn those steps in a heartbeat and hopefully become part of the Saucon Valley Jazz Band.

First things first, to be in the Jazz Band, you need an instrument. If you play in the concert band or play an instrument already, you should find out if your instrument is permitted to play in the Jazz Band. In most situations, Jazz Band instruments are the **trumpet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trombone, piano, guitar, bass, and drums.** If you don’t play one of these instruments, chances are you’ll have to talk to the band instructor, Mrs. Free, and your teachers about having secondary instrument lessons, or bandgroups, as well as your primary instrument ones.

 The audition was in November this year, and I assume that it is held at around the same time each year. About three weeks before the audition, you should pick a song to play. You can get the song from any source you like, but it shouldn’t be too long or too short. I would recommend that it be less than sixteen measures long and more than eight measures.

Practice, practice, practice! If playing at home can get kind of distracting or you have other things to do, stay for remediation (the time from 2:25 to 3:00 at the end of the day) in the band room. That gives you plenty of time to play, and remediation can be pretty fun too. Just make sure you prepare at home a little too. My method is that at home, if I can play the song three times through without mistakes, I can take a break until the next time I get to practice.

Most of the time, auditions are in a soundproof room to the side of the band room that we call “The Cave.” Don’t let that room make you nervous; sometimes I feel like that too. Next, just play your song the best you can play it and relax. Since you’ve practiced SO well (hint, hint), the song should be ingrained in your head.

Remember these steps as you audition for Jazz Band. You’ll be notified, possibly via email, if you’ve made it into the band. Jazz Band is an after-school activity, so it is after remediation once a week. Don’t be discouraged if you didn’t make it; just try again next year!