All students in any jazz class must audition at the top of the semester so we can get a idea of what level you are at, what groups we could place you with, identify your interests and also share some of the opporunities we have.
The audition process is basically a chance for us to get to know students and get them on our radar. We do want to know who you are! With that in mind, think of the audition as an introduction and personal meeting to identify your needs and identify how we can help you.
AUDITIONS FOR FALL 2026 ARE
Thursday and Friday- August 20th and 21st.
AUDITION SIGN UP SHEET FOR JAZZ BANDS
Students must sign up for an audition time by Thursday morning (August 20th). The sign-up sheet is available by clicking the QR code below on the bottom left of the screen. The QR code will also be available near the School of Music front office (on the left side of the elevator on the Jazz Board).
NOTE: Auditions will take place in MUB 130A (This is secretary Angela's former office in the School of Music front office)
NOTE: Commercial Music Ensemble auditions will be held by the new instructor Dr. Edward White. The sign-up sheet for Commercial Music Ensemble will be located in the School of Music.
GENERAL JAZZ MEETING!
ALL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN ANY JAZZ CLASSES OR AUDITIONING FOR BANDS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE SPRING GENERAL JAZZ MEETING which is at 1:55pm on Thursday, August 20th in the School of Music (MUB 121).
JAZZ BAND REHEARSAL TIME
Jazz Band one rehearsal time is 1:55pm Tuesday and Thursday in the Orchestra Room (MUB 121). Jazz Band 2 rehearsal time is 3pm Tuesday and Thursday in the Orchestra Room (MUB 121). NOTE: Please leave the hour directly after Jazz Band available for sectionals or guest artists if needed. This is the easiest solution to organizing everyone's schedules.
AUDITION MUSIC
All musicians auditioning for the University of Florida jazz program will use the U.S. Army Blues play a-long big band album (link below). It is free and an amazing resource!
COMMERCIAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE. For Commercial Music Ensemble students will audition with any music from the commercial or pop genre. Make sure you have your play along ready so we can play your backing track.
TO PREPARE
Go to the website listed below and download the free tracks, the free music for the lead parts, and download the free music minus-lead mp3 . This will allow students to practice along with the music and nail the part.
The track we audition with is "FREDDIE'S SIDE OF THE BLUES."
NOTE: If you have not had time to prepare the audition music, you can audition with a jazz transcription or former piece of jazz music you have played.
USE THE QR CODE BELOW TO REGISTER FOR AN AUDITION
Here is the direct link if you are on a computer: https://forms.gle/Hm4aujTns1rW3erN7
NOTE: IF THERE ARE NO AUDITION SPOTS LEFT, CONTACT SCOTT WILSON DIRECTLY VIA TEXT AT: 435-851-6363
WHAT IS REQUIRED DURING THE AUDITION?
1. You will fill out a student information form and contact sheet
2. You will be asked to play your prepared piece with play along track. If you do not have a piece that is fine but you stand the best chance of making a better position by having a prepared piece. You may also play a transcription instead of the prepared piece.
3. You will be asked to count 8 bars of rhythm.
4. You will be asked to sight read a selection.
5. Student find out the audition results through Twitter so make sure you follow the Gator Jazz Band Twitter @GatorJazzBand and make sure all messages are sent directly to your phone. All students in all jazz classes have to sign up for the Twitter and it is our main method of communication.
GATOR JAZZ BAND TWITTER (CLICK HERE)
