2015 Hempfield Jazz Auditions!

The mission of Hempfield Jazz is to develop musicianship and appreciation through jazz education and performance. Hempfield Jazz is open to students in grades nine through twelve of all ability levels. To be considered for Jazz One or Jazz Two, students must be enrolled in Band or Orchestra and/or a music elective course (i.e. Guitar, Music Production, Piano, Theory) with immediate intentions to join a large performing ensemble.

Hempfield Jazz One

This is the premier big band at Hempfield High School and is intended for the most advanced and serious musicians. Emphasis is placed on the performance of challenging jazz literature, developing intermediate-advanced improvisation skills, and performing at festivals and venues throughout the region. Interested students must complete a Hempfield Jazz Audition to be considered for Jazz One.

Rehearsals > M (3:15 - 5:30), R (3:15 - 4:30)

Hempfield Jazz Two

This is the cadet big band at Hempfield High School and is intended for developing musicians. Emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of jazz performance, introducing the concept of improvisation, and performing at home festivals and community events. Students interested in Jazz Two do not need to audition.

Rehearsals > M (3:15 - 4:30)

Jazz Combos

Jazz Combos are significantly smaller than the big bands and can have a wider variety of instrumentation. Combos emphasize improvisation, jazz theory, arranging, and composition. No prior experience is necessary, however proficiency on your instrument is required. Combos will meet once per week. Students interested in Jazz Combos must complete a Hempfield Jazz Audition.

Rehearsals > Determined once Combos are established

Audition Information

All students interested in being a part of Jazz One or Jazz Combos must audition for Mr. Gumble.

Auditions for Jazz One will take place on Tuesday, January 12th and Wednesday, January 14th. Auditions will begin at 3:15 and will run until 5:00 each day.

Students must sign-up for an audition slot at bands.hempfieldsd.org

Audition Material

Audition material is available for download at bands.hempfieldsd.org. In addition to the material provided, students must perform scales as well as a short sight-reading excerpt.

Audition Scoring

Students will be evaluated using the Hempfield High School Band “Performance and Playing Test Rubric”