Jazz Studies Ensembles
The Kent State Jazz Studies Program fosters a "real world" atmosphere, promoting the development of fundamental skills in Jazz.
Through our Jazz Minor and BA in Jazz Studies curriculum and ensemble performance, students are provided the opportunity to improve individual musicianship, create a personal voice, learn from and be inspired by the rich history, understand the evolutionary process and modern trends of Jazz, while becoming musical leaders and positive contributors to the Kent State University experience.
Audition and Membership Information
Instrumental Jazz Ensembles at Kent State
- Jazz Orchestra
- Jazz Workshop Ensembles
- Jazz Combos
Audition Dates
- Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023
- Wednesday, Aug. 33, 2023
- 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
What's the Audition Like?
- Warm-ups to assess your vocal range.
- Pitch matching exercises.
- Sight-singing exercises.
- A prepared solo of your choice (either a capella or accompanied), preferably a jazz standard.
- A musical excerpt that should be picked up 24 hours prior to the scheduled audition time.
- You should learn the voice part they believe best suits your voice
- Sheet music may be used during the audition.
- You will receive instructions after you sign up for your audition.
Audition Dates
- Sunday, August 20 | 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
*Returning Chorale Members: It would be great to see you here if available. - Monday, August 21 | 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 22 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Auditions will be held in room E-111, Center for Performing Arts
Audition Sign-up
Solo jazz vocalists can audition to join several Ensembles Kent State
- Jazz Orchestra
- Jazz Workshop Ensembles
- Jazz Combos
Audition Dates
- Monday, Aug. 30
- Tuesday, Aug. 31
- Both dates currently planned to be in person.
Audition Requirements
- Song of your choice from the Great American Songbook.
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