If you are interested in auditioning for one of the Elon jazz ensembles, please email Dr. Heitlinger.

Auditions are required for all jazz ensembles, but we try to ensure that everyone who is interested in jazz at Elon is able to participate in one way or another. If the director feels that you aren’t yet ready for an ensemble experience, you may be encouraged to take Jazz Techniques applied lessons to help you develop the pre-requisite skills.

Jazz Ensemble Auditions

Held every August. Watch bulletin board for date, requirements, and audition materials.

Jazz Combo Auditions

Held every August. Perform a prepared piece with improvisation such as Autumn Leaves or Blue Bossa or a 12-bar blues.

Piano

  1. “A” and “B” rootless formula voicings for ii-V-I and iiø-V-i in all keys.
  2. Left-hand guide tone voicings with right-hand improvisation on 12-bar blues.

Bass

  1. 12-bar blues with walking bass lines.

Drums

Drummers will demonstrate a range of grooves/styles, possibly including:

  1. Swing
  2. Broken Swing
  3. Brushes: Swing
  4. Bossa Nova
  5. Samba
  6. Afro-Cuban