Saxophone – jazz
For your audition, you should prepare the unaccompanied performance of the melodies and, if possible, improvised solos over two tunes of your choice, with particular attention to swing, bossa, Afro-Cuban and samba styles. You potentially may be asked to perform an accompanied improvised solo over a tune of your or the jurors’ choice to assess range, tone and/or technique.
VCU’s jazz faculty offers accompaniment to auditionees as needed — an extra copy of your sheet music is welcome. A play-along CD is possible but usually not preferable to live interaction.
Sample tunes might include, but are not limited to:
- Swing: “Autumn Leaves,” “Satin Doll,” “Now’s the Time,” “Take the ‘A’ Train” and “Stella by Starlight”
- Bossa: “Blue Bossa,” “Recorda-Me,” “Meditation,” “Wave” and “Black Orpheus”
- Samba: samba versions of the bossas above
- Afro-Cuban: “Mambo Inn” (2-3 clave), “Afro-Blue” (12/8), “Frenesi” (cha-cha), “Como Fue” (cha-cha) and “A Night in Tunisia” (possible in a variety of settings)
- Ballad: “In a Sentimental Mood,” “Body and Soul,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” and “Misty”
- Waltz: “Up Jumped Spring,” “Someday My Prince Will Come,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “All Blues” and “Bluesette”
You are not limited to the above choices — these are only examples. However, free improvisation, a demonstration of favorite licks or singing a favorite blues tune along with accompaniment will not meet the audition requirements.
Sight-reading
We will ask you to sight-read a passage as part of your audition. You will be given a few moments to look it over and then we will ask you to perform it. For reading practice, see the rhythmic reading exercises available in the jazz section of the website. Though you will not be playing this material in your audition, as it is for VCU students, it will be a great asset toward your preparation for sight-reading at your own audition.
Preparation tips
You are welcome to wear comfortable clothes for your audition. Attire spans from slacks or dresses to coat and tie; jeans are acceptable if neat. We welcome you to present yourself as you would to a range of jazz audiences.
If you have any questions, contact Antonio Garcia, director of jazz studies.
