Thank you for your interest in auditioning for the St. Olaf Jazz Ensembles. This page outlines all the information you need to prepare for the audition process. Auditions are held during NSO and are used for placement in Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and combos.
About Auditions:
Students are evaluated on tone quality, articulation, intonation, style, and technique, as well as melodic ideas and the ability to navigate chord changes when applicable. Above all, we’re interested in hearing you play—come prepared, play with confidence, and show us your strengths and swing.
Bring your best to the audition, but don’t be discouraged if every part doesn’t feel fully comfortable yet. You are still encouraged to audition. This is an opportunity for us to meet you and to see how the jazz ensembles might support your growth as a musician during your time at St. Olaf.
Materials for Jazz auditions can be found HERE. Returning students can sign up HERE for an audition. (Incoming first years will be added to the audition calendar by Lisa McDermott.)
WINDS / BRASS
Required Scales
Saxophones
Chromatic (full range), D Major (2 octaves), F Major (2 octaves), D Harmonic Minor (2 octaves), G Harmonic Minor (1 octave),
Optional: if you double on flute or clarinet, please demonstrate those skills.
Trombones
Chromatic (full range), Bb Major (2 octaves), G Major (2 octaves), A Harmonic Minor (2 octaves), E Harmonic Minor (2 octaves)
Trumpets
Chromatic (low F# to top and back), Bb Major, A Major, B Harmonic Minor (2 octaves), E Harmonic Minor (1 octave)
Audition Components
- Prepared jazz excerpt (required)
- Sight reading
- Improvisation: This is optional but recommended for anyone who would like to take solos or play a chair that traditionally plays solos (Alto 1, Tenor 1, Trumpet 2, Trombone 1 & 2). You may improvise on a blues or a jazz standard. Please be prepared to play the melody, improvise for 2 choruses, and take the head out.
Suggested Improvisation Tunes
Autumn Leaves (G minor/Bb), All of Me (C), Fly Me to the Moon (C), There Will Never Be Another You (Eb), My Funny Valentine (C minor/Eb), Satin Doll (C), Straight No Chaser (F blues), C Jam Blues (C blues), Tenor Madness (Bb blues), Oleo (Bb rhythm changes)
RHYTHM SECTION (Piano, Guitar, Bass, Vibes)
- Play a standard (your choice) – can be improvised or a transcription.
- Prepared jazz excerpt (if provided)
- Students should be prepared to perform the following chord progressions, playing through twice in each style:
Bb6 | G7 | Cmi7 | F7 | Dmi7 | G7 | Cmi7 | F7 |
Dmi7 | G7 | Cmaj7 | Cmaj7 | Gmi7 | C7 | Fmaj7 | Fmaj7 |
Ami7 | D7(b9) | GMA7 | CMA7 | F#mi7(b5) | B7(#5,#9) | Emi(MA7) | E7(b9)
- Styles
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- Medium swing
- Fast swing (up to quarter note = 240)
- Bossa nova
- Funk
Note for pianists and guitarists: In medium and fast swing styles, you should comp in a supportive, rhythmic, and varied way—using syncopated, largely chordal figures as you would behind a soloist in a combo setting.
Sight Reading
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- Melodic + harmonic reading
DRUM SET
- Prepare a 2-3-minute solo demonstrating your knowledge of different grooves – medium swing, up-tempo swing, ballad (with brushes), funk, Brazilian, and Afro-Cuban. Transitions should be seamless and include appropriate fills.
- Demonstrate your sight-reading ability by reading a drum chart and providing the appropriate time feel as well as set-ups and kicks.
*After individual rhythm section auditions, rhythm section players may be asked to play together in small groups to assess ensemble interaction and musical communication.
VOCALISTS
- Prepare a medium tempo jazz standard of your choice. Bring a lead sheet (melody and chords) of the tune with you in the key that you will be singing it. Scatting is optional, but most welcome. If you want to scat, it can be done on the chord changes of your prepared piece or a blues in the key of your choice.
- Sight Reading
Note: Be prepared to briefly discuss your jazz background and interest in the program.
WEEKLY REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Jazz Orchestra: 6:45-8:45 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays
Jazz Ensemble: 3:10-4:10 p.m. on Tuesdays, and 3:45-4:45 p.m. on Thursdays
CONTACT
For more information, please contact Dr. Joseph L. Jefferson.