Join a Jazz Ensemble

Please complete this form if you are interested in learning more about how to join the Elon Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Combo. Registration is open to any Elon student with previous experience playing jazz, including music majors AND non-music majors.

If you have specific questions, also feel free to email Dr. Heitlinger.

Audition Information

We aim to offer opportunities for students at all experience levels. Auditions are meant to help place students in optimal learning environments. If the Director of Jazz Studies feels that you aren’t yet ready for an ensemble experience, you may be encouraged to take Jazz Techniques applied lessons to help develop pre-requisite skills before enrolling in an ensemble.

Jazz Ensemble Auditions

Jazz Ensemble auditions take place at the beginning of each semester. Click your instrument below for more information about audition requirements! Please email Dr. Heitlinger to schedule an audition.

• Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone

  • Prepared piece of your choice such as an etude, jazz etude, etc.
  • Sight reading (if requested)
  • Improvisation on a 12-bar blues or tune of your choice (optional)

• Piano

  • “A” and “B” rootless formula voicings for ii-V-I and iiø-V-i in all keys.
  • Left-hand guide tone voicings (3rd and 7th of chords) with right-hand improvisation on 12-bar blues.

• Bass

  12-bar blues with walking bass lines.

• Guitar

  Perform a prepared piece such as Autumn Leaves or Blue Bossa or a 12-bar blues. Demonstrate melody, chords, and improvisation.

• Drums

  Demonstrate a range of grooves/styles, possibly including:

  • Swing
  • Broken Swing
  • Brushes: Swing
  • Bossa Nova
  • Samba
  • Afro-Cuban

Jazz Combo Auditions

Jazz Combo auditions take place at the beginning of each semester. Click your instrument below for more information about audition requirements! Please email Dr. Heitlinger to schedule an audition.

• Brass, Woodwinds, Violin, Viola

  Perform a prepared jazz piece with improvisation such as Autumn Leaves or Blue Bossa or a 12-bar blues, including the melody and at least one chorus of improvisation.

• Piano

  • “A” and “B” rootless formula voicings for ii-V-I and iiø-V-i in all keys.
  • Left-hand guide tone voicings (3rd and 7th of chords) with right-hand improvisation on 12-bar blues.

• Bass

  12-bar blues with walking bass lines.

• Guitar

  Perform a prepared piece such as Autumn Leaves or Blue Bossa or a 12-bar blues. Demonstrate melody, chords, and improvisation.

• Drums

  Demonstrate a range of grooves/styles, possibly including:

  • Swing
  • Broken Swing
  • Brushes: Swing
  • Bossa Nova
  • Samba
  • Afro-Cuban

• Voice

  Perform a prepared song of your choice with a backing track. Optional: include scat singing improvisation.