Jazz Ensemble

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Auditions (open to all UTC Students)

Fall 2025 auditions will be held on Tuesday, August 19, and Thursday, August 21 in the UTC Bandroom (FAC 104) during the Jazz Ensemble scheduled class meeting times from 5:30-7:00 pm. Please prepare the etudes at the provided tempos and styles. Please contact Prof. Stichler if you have any questions/concerns at: [email protected]

Audition Dates and Requirements

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 (UTC Bandroom, FAC 104)

5:30 p.m. Rhythm Section Auditions: (Piano/Guitar/Bass/Drums/Aux Percussion-Vibes)
Auditions will consist of playing the Prepared Pieces 1 Medium Swing and 1 Bossa Nova (guitar, piano, vibes can use the YouTube play-along link to prepare: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s_TP_bD-kU)
6:15 p.m. Alto/Tenor/Baritone Saxophone Auditions: (for Jazz Ensemble) Auditions will consist of playing the melody and improvising over 2 choruses of Bb Blues - use the following YouTube play-along link to prepare: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s_TP_bD-kU and the 2 prepared etudes (Ballad and Fast Swing)

Thursday, August 21, 2025 (UTC Bandroom, FAC 104)

5:30 p.m. Trumpet, then Trombone/Bass Trombone Auditions (for Jazz Ensembles)
Auditions will consist of playing the melody and improvising over 2 choruses of Bb Blues - use the following YouTube play-along link to prepare: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s_TP_bD-kU and the 2 prepared etudes (Ballad and Fast Swing)

PREPARED PIECES

All students will be required to play Prepared Pieces as part of their audition.
The Prepared Pieces can be downloaded and printed here (use Adobe Acrobat):

Alto Sax Bari Sax Bass Bass Trombone Drums Guitar Piano Tenor Sax Trombone Trumpet Vibes

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Tuesday/Thursday, 5:30-7:00 PM

The UTC Jazz Ensembles provide students with the opportunity to develop skills associated with performance in the jazz idiom while performing a wide variety of contemporary and traditional jazz styles. The Jazz Ensembles are open to all UTC students, music and non-majors alike, and placement auditions are held during the 1st week of classes every semester. Audition material will be posted on the UTC Music Ensembles webpage. Basic concepts that lead to creativity and self-expression in jazz are learned by participating in Jazz Ensembles, and the improvisatory elements in jazz performances offer an important and unique opportunity for all students to develop their creative process. Typically, the ensembles rehearse on Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30-7:00pm in the UTC Bandroom (FAC 104). The ensembles perform at campus and community events throughout the school year. To participate, contact Prof. Rich Stichler at [email protected].

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