Audition Information Auditions are held every year for entry into the Jazz and Choral Ensemble groups. This page will provide you with a schedule of events as well as links to the audition material. The material has been arranged according to the group to which it relates. What's New (Starting in 2008): Instrumentation for each group will be limited to 5 saxes (up to 7 in Bronze), 5 trombones, 5 trumpets, 1 drummer, 1 bass player, 1 piano player and 1 guitar player Bronze and Silver Jazz Bands will not go through the formal Audition process as in previous years. All musicians interested in playing at the Bronze or Silver Jazz levels will initially self-sort themselves into the groups they believe are best suited to their abilities. Groups will have 2 weeks to rehearse in order for Directors to establish a level of ensemble effectively and for membership to arrive - this could include some who move to this level following the Auditions for Gold/Jazz Orchestra During week 3, a placement will take place for all members of both groups (Bronze & Silver) in order to confirm that the self-placement resulted in members choosing the appropriate group.  There may be recommendations for people to switch groups.  Both ensembles are scheduled for the same evening (Bronze at Ernest Manning, Silver at Lord Beaverbrook on Monday nights), so night of the week is not a consideration.  In the event there are too many of any given instrument, the first criteria to be used in deciding who can remain in each ensemble will be whether the player has been with the organization in the past or not. If this does not resolve the issue, an audition will take place, with an independent evaluator, to decide who is most appropriate for the ensemble. Monday Gold Jazz, Wednesday Gold Jazz and Jazz Orchestra will still go through the audition process. The dates are below. Quick Jump 2009 Jazz Audition Schedule Audition Materials Choral Ensemble Placements Jazz Ensembles   Auditions are held annually for all positions in Westwinds Jazz Ensembles.  As an organization, great effort has been made to ensure the most fair and equitable system of positioning existing and new members within the organization and at the appropriate level. It is imperative that members be placed with other players of similar skill.  It is not the intent of this process to change the levels of ensembles, particularly the intermediate ones, but rather to place all players appropriately.  It is important to note that, assuming appropriateness to the level of group, existing Westwinds members are given priority in the event that there are more players than can be accommodated in each group. (5 saxes, 5 trombones, 5 trumpets, drummer, pianist, guitar player, bass player). It is our intent to create the best possible Jazz Ensembles each year. Audition requirements are organized by levels: Intermediate = Bronze and Silver Jazz Ensembles Advanced = Gold Jazz Ensembles and the Jazz Orchestra   All musicians are encouraged to choose wisely when deciding which level to audition at.  Players who perform at the “top end” of the Intermediate level as well as players who are auditioning as Advanced musicians, but are finding the material to be challenging such that it might not be a confident performance, are encouraged to prepare the materials for both levels so that the evaluator can get a clear idea of how you really play.  It is very difficult to evaluate a performance that is weak because the material is too challenging.   Likewise, it is difficult to suggest a move up even after a stellar performance of the intermediate material without the evidence that the player can perform the advanced material as well. 2009 Jazz Ensemble Audition Schedule Date Instruments Wednesday, September 9 7:00-8:00 pm Rhythm Section phase 1 Wednesday, September 9 8:00-9:00 pm Rhythm Section phase 2 Thursday, September 10 7:00-9:00 pm All horns *Indicates that more than 1 session will be held in order to properly accommodate the number of expected players. Please choose only 1 date of the two to attend. Access Jazz Ensemble Audition Material & Information [Here] All Jazz Ensemble Auditions will take place at Lord Beaverbrook High School, 9019 Fairmount Drive SE [Map], starting at 7:00 pm and concluding at approximately 9:00 pm. Choral Ensemble Singers interested in joining the Choral Ensemble must attend a musical interview that will cover the following criteria: - A vocalize that demonstrates quality of singing tone, flexibility, agility, range, and accuracy of pitch. - A brief sight-singing example to demonstrate sight reading skills and basic theoretical knowledge - A brief song, melody, or musical example chosen by the singer that demonstrates musicality, expression, beauty of tone, and interpretive qualities This interview will take place during the Open House in September, or after the first three rehearsals in September. Placements Those groups which do not Audition may participate in a Placement process. The Placement process is designed to assess the member's musical ability, to assist in determining whether they are in the right group and to assess their place within that group. Placements are conducted by professional Clinicians.