Jazz Ensemble

Auditions (open to all UTC Students)

Fall 2026 auditions will be held in the UTC Band room (FAC 104) during the Jazz Ensemble scheduled class meeting times from 6:00-7:20 pm.  Please prepare the études at the provided tempos and styles. Please get in touch with Prof. Stichler if you have any questions/concerns at:  [email protected]

Audition Dates and Requirements

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 
UTC Band Room, FAC 104

• Rhythm Section Auditions: (Piano/Guitar/Bass/Drums/Aux Percussion-Vibes)
  • 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM
  • Auditions will consist of playing the Prepared Pieces
    • 1 Medium Swing (Bb Blues - play written melody and improvise two choruses using playback. 
    • 1 Latin (Cha-Cha)
    • 1 Up Tempo Swing
    • Guitar, piano, vibes can use the YouTube Play-Along Link to prepare the Bb Blues.
• Alto/Tenor/Baritone Saxophone Auditions: (for Jazz Ensemble)
  • 6:45 PM - 7:20 PM
  • Auditions will consist of playing the prepared pieces.
    • 1 Medium Swing (Bb Blues - play written melody and improvise two choruses using playback)
    • 1 Ballad
    • 1 Up Tempo Swing
      • Use the following YouTube Play-Along Link to prepare.

Thursday, August 27, 2026
UTC Band room, FAC 104

• Trumpet, then Trombone/Bass Trombone Auditions (for Jazz Ensembles)
  • 6:00 PM - 7:20 PM
  • Auditions will consist of:
    • 1 Medium Swing (Bb Blues - Play written melody and improvise two choruses using playback)
    • 1 Ballad
    • 1 Up Tempo Swing
      • Use the following YouTube Play-Along Link to prepare.

PREPARED PIECES 

MUS 0036R - Jazz Ensemble

Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00 PM - 7:20 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 6:00-7:20 pm in the UTC Band room (FAC 104). The ensembles perform at campus and community events throughout the school year. To participate, contact Prof. Rich Stichler.