Woodland Middle School Bands

Jazz Band Performances:

January 12, 2012 - Winter Concert 6:30pm @ WMS

February 23, 2012 - WTHS Jazz Fest - 6:30pm @ O'Plaine

March ??? - We may perform at the Mundelein Jazz Fest - More details to follow

March 15, 2012 - IGSMA District Jazz Contest (evening Performance, Place and Time TBA)

May 5, 2012 - IGSMA State Contest (If eligible)

May 24, 2012 - Spring Concert 6:30 @ WMS

Other Events:

The WMS Jazz Band is often asked to play events sponsored by Woodland (ie Teacher Retirement Dinner and Joint School Board Dinner). This events usually come up with about a months notice, and we perform at them if the majority of the band can attend. They are always a good time!!!

Please watch the website and your email for all the info you will need.

What is Jazz Band?

Jazz Band is an activity open only to students enrolled in either band or choir. Membership is by audition only, which determines chair and instrumentation balance. Jazz Band has the following instrumentation; saxes, trumpets, trombones, piano, bass, guitar, drums and vibes. (Students may audition on secondary instruments.) This activity is designed to allow students to explore the basic fundamentals and learn and experiment with the playing and improvisation of jazz music. The jazz band performs two concerts during the school year, participates in district and state jazz band contest, and may perform at community functions if asked to do so.

Miss Awe is looking for the "typical" jazz band instrumentation.

Instrumentation includes:

• 2 alto saxes
• 2 tenor saxes
• 1 bari sax
• 4-7 trumpets
• 4-6 trombones
• rhythm section (including 1-3 of the following that will switch off between tunes) ~ guitar, piano, bass (electric or upright string bass), drum set, vibes/auxiliary percussion

How do I audition?

Pick up an audition packet during your band lesson and see Miss Awe for an audition day/time and a pass.

Notes about auditions:

Auditions will be handled a little differently than they have been in the past. All the materials you will need for jazz band auditions will be in the audition packet.

Items in packet:

• Blues scales and chromatic scale for each instrument. (Please note: ALL students auditioning for jazz band (even percussionists) will be expected to prepare these scales for their audition. Each of these scales should be performed in the swing style).
• Selections for each instrument to prepare for the audition.

Speed is not the main focus of this audition. Please work on note/rhythmic accuracy and musicianship first. Speed comes second. A student who plays at a slower tempo, but plays everything accurately will have the "upper hand" in the audition process.

If students wish, they may demonstrate their ability to improvise during their audition. This is not a required element, but if a student knows how, they should let their abilities "shine." Throughout the course of the school year we will be working on simple jazz improvisation skills. It is Miss Awe's goal to teach each member of the jazz ensemble to play a simple improvised solo (over a 12-bar blues pattern) by the end of the school year.

Once auditions have been completed, a list with the members of the group will be posted on the bulletin board outside the south band room (G117) as well as on the web page.

Any questions regarding the audition process should be directed to Miss Awe. (If you e-mail please place "jazz auditions" in the subject title). Or you can give me a call at 847-856-3661.

I look forward to hearing everyone's audition!!

Is there anything a student can do between now and the time they get the audition packet?

Yes there is! Start working on the following:

• Chromatic scale
• Blues scale in the concert keys of B-flat, F, G, E-flat and C Major.
• Listen to as much jazz music as you can! It will help you with style.

How to form a blues scale:

Take the major scale and number each of the pitches 1-8.

Example:

C D E F G A B C

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Use the following "formula" to help you figure out what notes to play:

1, Flat 3, 4, Sharp 4, 5, Flat 7, 8

Resulting in:

C, E Flat, F, F Sharp, G, B Flat, and C

This scale may sound different to you. You will get used to it though.

If you have any questions, please contact Miss Awe.

Happy practicing!!