Instrumental Jazz Ensembles at Kent State
- Jazz Orchestra
- Jazz Workshop Ensembles
- Jazz Combos
Audition Dates
- Monday, Aug. 29
- Tuesday, Aug. 30
- In-person location: E109 (Bobby's Office)
Audition Requirements
- Download your audition music (must be logged in using your Kent credentials).
- To prepare, listen to the piece on YouTube.
- From Bobby: "This version of Thad Jones' "Back Bone" is a live version and will not line up with what is on the page measure-wise. Listen for the melody in the saxes after the solos. That will be letter C. We will play through major scales, and I may choose a piece for sight-reading. If there are any questions, please let me know."
Audition Sign-ups
- Click here to sign up for your audition time (must be logged in using your Kent credentials).
- If you have issues with the form, contact Bobby Selvaggio at rselvagg@kent.edu.
Questions or Need More Info?
Contact
Bobby Selvaggio
Director of Jazz Studies
rselvagg@kent.edu
Kent State University Orchestra String Section
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Contrabass
Audition Requirements
The audition will determine your acceptance to the orchestra as well as seatings—which may rotate throughout the year
- 3-octave scales in C, G, D or A major - music majors only.
- You'll be asked to play one of these four keys in the audition.
- Only 2-octaves scares need to be prepared for Contrabass.
- Any piece of your choice.
- 3-5 minutes in length.
- Any solo/ensemble piece that can demonstrate your technique and musicality.
- Accompaniment not required.
- Excerpts for your instrument.
- Find them here.
- Prepare only the bracketed sections.
Please note: Fingerings and bowing are up to you!
Audition Sign-up
- Auditions will be Friday, Aug. 27 starting around 2 p.m.
- Sign-up for your time.
- Questions or issues with the form? email jkim73@kent.edu.
Questions or need more info?
Contact
Dr. Jungho Kim
Director of Orchestra
jkim73@kent.edu
One audition for placement in:
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Symphony Band
-
Wind Ensemble
-
Orchestra (the KSU Orchestra is a fully symphony orchestra)
Audition Requirements
Audition Sign-up
Thursday, August 25 (please note locations):
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Flute: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in Ludwig Recital Hall
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Trumpet: 12:45 p.m. – 2:25 p.m. in Cartwright Hall
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Oboe: 2:30 p.m. – 3:05 p.m. in Cartwright Hall
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Bassoon: 3:20 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Cartwright Hall
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Horn: 4:00p.m. – 4:45 p.m. in Cartwright Hall
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Trombone: 5:00 p.m. – 5:50 p.m. in Ludwig Recital Hall
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Tuba: 5:50 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in Ludwig Recital Hall
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Euphonium: 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Ludwig Recital Hall
Friday, August 26 (please note locations):
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Percussion: 8:45 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. in Large Percussion Practice Room off of E112
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Saxophone: 11:30 a.m. – 1:20 p.m. in D307
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Clarinet: 1:30 p.m. – 4:00p.m. in C308
Issues with the form? Email bands@kent.edu.
Audition Advice
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There are two elements in music which are completely objective to the listener, namely rhythm and intonation. Good rhythm and intonation must be the foundation of your preparation. Subjective areas may include tone quality and color, interpretation, and articulation choices.
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Dynamics are vital elements of music but are subject to interpretation.
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The character of the music that you are portraying will dictate the proper volume and the direction of the phrases.
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As you make your choices for tempo and phrasing, use the metronome to help establish a desired tempo. Refer to recordings as possible and use a metronome creatively to help form an interpretation.
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Recording your audition materials is extremely helpful. The opportunity to objectively listen for rhythmic continuity, intonation, tempo choices, interpretation, and sound is extremely valuable in monitoring your progress.
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Listen to recordings of the selected excerpts and etudes if possible.
Questions or Need More Information?
For Symphony Band and Wind Ensemble
Contact Dr. Darin Olson and Dr. Benjamin Lorenzo
Email bands@kent.edu
For Orchestra
Contact Dr. Jungho Kim
Email jkim73@kent.edu