i'm thinking of trying out for jazz band...?

Question

i'm thinking of trying out for jazz band at my school, and my instrument is guitar... now i'm curious about some things before i even consider it any further...like what should i be expecting? what kind of things do you do? what will i need to learn/know on advance? stuff like that and any advice would really be appreciated, thanks

Answer 1

Well depending on the school that will affect what you'll need to know in advance.

General Audition Advice: Make sure you're proficient in all of the audition material. If you need to know scales, be sure you know them all. Typically you'll be asked to play one or two random scales for any audition. Also there are two types of auditions: Blind and not. Blind auditions you're seperated from the judges by a screen and are given a number. They don't know who you are until all the judging is complete.

I wish you the best of luck in auditions!! Band was the best thing I ever did, helped me pay my way through college!

Answer 2

Go for it! It should be a real fun experience and will open up a new dimension in your playing. Guitar players in jazz bands typically comp chords. Sometimes the music will tell you the name of the chord and give rhymic notation along with it sometime you just get comping slashes for you to play your own rhythm. The chords are more complex than typical rock chords. You'll see a lot more extentions and suspensions. When your first starting out just play the basic chords. As you get comfortable with the chart then add in the extra notes beyond the triad. Guitar players are also given the opportunity to solo with the band. Sometimes these solos are written out, most of the time you improvise or make up your own melody based on the chord changes. So you'll get an increased knowledge of chords and chord changes as well as opportunity to work on lead playing as well. The best part, your playing in an ensemble that will help you learn as you go.

Answer 3

Number one, have a good understanding of different rhythem styles and such (swing, funk, rock, mambo, etc. esp inportant for rhythm section), good understanding of chord structures used in various types of music, and some working knowlodge of improv is always helpful. Most of all, walk in feeling confidant to a healthy point. Not cocky, but dont act that nervious. First impressions say alot, esp in things like this. Jazz (and other music played in jazz bands) is typically highly improv based and alot of solo time. Noone wants someone whos scared pantless of being on stage and uncomfortable in the limelight... Big thing though, is walk in and make itknown that your always willing to try. I do alot of auditioning, on both ends (officer of jazz and concert band and the stage crew) and if someone walks in thinking that they know eveyrthing i automatically say no, i dont want to hear them nor care how good they really are. The best musicians are the ones who are willing to try anything, not who are amazingly wicked at one or twoo things. Just know your basics and you should be good!

Answer 4

oh you should definetly go for it. if my school had a jazz band id join it in a heartbeat. i love to dance to mostly jazz and i know you would enjoy playing it too. its starting to become real popular again. look @ Christina Auguliera's new CD "Back To Basics". its all jazz. just go and play your heart out and have a goof time. also ask people who have gone thru it or are in the band now. if sum1 has good advive take it n2 consideration. ur never too young to try something new. plus the best things n life are usually worth taking a risk. good luck!!!

Answer 5

I'm not sure about a band I was in a Jazz Ensemble. We only sang during class time but had performances almost every other week esp during the holidays. Ask the instructor what their schedule for the year is like.

Answer 6

Each jazz band is different, you should ask the band your trying out for instead of us, because the information we give you might be totally different then what your jazz band does. Contact them and get info.

Answer 7

Well, my suggestion would be to ask people that have been through it.
But, if you are in a band class, then the jazz band would be sorta like that only more advanced and different type of music.

GOOD LUCK! :)

Answer 8

playing jazz guitar is one of the hardest things to do. starting in a school band is good preparation for going to loyola university jazz guitar school of music, in new orleans, you are one of a kind and one cool cat...
God bless us all...

Answer 9

The people to ask are the people who have been through it, the ones who are in the band. Or the teacher. But definitely you should go for it.

Answer 10

You should know that it's a whole different way of playing, but a really good time. Beyond that, I can't tell you much because I don't know anything about your school's program or anything. Good luck and have fun!