Instrumental Jazz Placement Auditions
All students in the CSUF School of Music are required to participate in a major performing ensemble (MPE) each semester. Jazz students are required to perform an ensemble placement audition for participation in our flagship big band, the Fullerton Jazz Orchestra, our Latin Ensemble, (both winners of the 2018 Reno Jazz Festival), our Jazz Chamber Ensemble (big band II), our Jazz Small Groups and the Fullerton Jazz Singers. Auditions for the Fullerton Jazz Singers will be held on a different date. Feel free to email ensemble instructor Teryn Ré: tecarter@fullerton.edu.
In our B.M. and M.M. degrees in Jazz Studies, we teach you what you need to be a successfully employed jazz/pop musician and educator, through courses in improvisation, composition, arranging, pedagogy, music technology and music production.
Who Must Audition
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Music Majors: All woodwind, brass, piano, bass, guitar, drum-set and mallet percussion music majors, and anyone else wishing to participate in our Jazz Big Bands, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Brazilian Jazz Ensemble, Fullerton Jazz Singers and Jazz Small Groups.
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Non-music majors : Jazz is a fun and essential part of your education as a music major. Even if you don't have experience in jazz, we have a place for you, and we encourage you to participate no matter what your major or emphasis. Prepare as many of the audition materials as you can.
Live Auditions
Saturday, August 17, 2024 - 9:00a-5:00p - CPAC-119
Sunday, August 18, 2024 - 9:00a-5:00p - CPAC-119
CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP FOR AN AUDITION
Audition Materials
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- A transcribed solo or jazz etude (guitarists may play a chord/melody study) of your choice, at least 32 bars. Any tempo is OK, with or without music.
- Play the melody of a bebop head or standard jazz tune, and improvise on the changes, at least two choruses (for a 12 or 16 bar tune, at least 3). In addition, rhythm section players comp for a chorus. Drummers need to prepare the melody on the drum-set, improvise over the form and/or trade 8th’s. Accompanists for all will be provided.
- In addition, be prepared to play the melody an improvise on one of the following tunes, depending on your level:
Freshman: Beautiful Love, I Got Rhythm, Blue Bossa, In a Sentimental Mood
Sophomore: I Hear a Rhapsody, Four, Blues for Alice, I Love You
Junior: Body and Soul, Woody’ N’ You, Stella by Starlight, Have You Met Miss Jones
Senior: Airegin, Moment’s Notice, I’ll Remember April, Round Midnight
Graduate: Giant Steps, Yes Or No, Stablemates, Inner Urge - Sight-reading at the audition
Placement Results
An email will be sent with audition results as soon as they are available but no later than Wednesday, August 28th, 2024.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Bill Cunliffe
Professor of Music, Jazz Studies
Office: CPAC-236
Phone: (657) 278-8236
Email: bcunliffe@fullerton.edu
Rodolfo Zuniga
Assistant Professor, Jazz Area Coordinator
Office: CPAC-232
Phone: (657) 278-3598
Email: rozuniga@fullerton.edu
