jazz band tryout.....?

Question

Currently i'm first trombone in jazz band...but there is another girl that really wants to take my spot away from me(she's second trombone). I really want to stay first trombone, because my band teacher said we're having another tryout that could change our positions. Is there anything that i can do to impress my band teacher, or any good songs that would impress him so i can keep my position? any good ideas would help thnx? also any good tricks or stuff like that would help too...

Answer 1

The poster who admonished you to practice is correct, of course. As other people have said the important thing is to be the best PLAYER. It "shouldn't" be a popularity contest. The best way for a bone man to get better (or stay on top) is to practice scales! Don't worry about obscure scales that jazz bands don't play anyhow. If you just get your 12 major scales down perfectly (it ain't hard!) and know how to make the minor thirds and dominant sevenths, you will be all set. As another poster mentioned, the band director will pick the music anyhow. So to be ready for "anything", practice your scales!

Answer 2

You should not try to impress your teacher, rather to impress yourself. You will learn that sometimes, you may never meet others' expectations, but if you meet yours, you are self-fullfilled.

If this other person is better than you, then she deserves first chair, don't you agree? There must be a reason you are now first chair and she is second and I hope it is not a popularity contest, because frankly, regardless of how attractive either or you are, puffed cheeks, red face and bulging eyes while playing a brass instrument puts us all on a level playing field called homely! It is your talent, ability and desire that will keep you in first chair, so keep doing what got you there in the first place.

Confidence, not insecurity, will be your best attribute during the tryout. If this is a true and fair tryout, the director will choose the music anyway, so don't waste time learning something that may not even be used! Practice some sight reading instead.

Answer 3

Learn the trombone solo in "Norwegian Wood", in the "Big Swing Face" Album by Buddy Rich. That's some impressive stuff.
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Answer 4

Practice, practice, and when your done with that, practice some more! When I competed for first trombone in several jazz ensembles, I would practice using all the complex keys for improvisation. Don't use the easy ones like blues, that's what everyone else does.

Answer 5

Any song by Slide Hampton is a winner. Look for something with a difficult solo but make it fun.

I remember in high school (years and years ago) having to do this to (former Trumpet player) and I used to listen to Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillispe and Miles Davis for inspiration. You can do a google search for Trombonist and look that way too but I'd stick with Slide....he's an amazing player.

Good luck!!!!!

Answer 6

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