The MHS Blackwater Beats Jazz Band
The Milton High School Jazz Band is the cool and smooth side of the band program. They are under the direction of Mr. Michael Schultz. They play a wide assortment of pop, smooth, swing, and other styles of jazz music. The Jazz Band can be seen performing at various venues in the Milton/Pensacola area including Pensacola beach. This ensemble currently meets 4th period everyday as well as some days after school. Entry into the jazz band will be determined simply by signing up for the Jazz Ensemble class. Upon entry in the Jazz Band, each student will be required to audition for chair placement.
Jazz Band AUDITIONS
All students interested in participating in the Blackwater Beats Jazz Band at any level are encouraged to audition. Auditions are for the following standard big band instrumentation: Alto saxophones, Tenor Saxophones, Bari Saxophones, trumpets, trombones or baritone, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, auxiliary percussion, and drums,). Non-standard jazz instruments such as flute and clarinet can also audition but are not guaranteed a spot. Instrumentation can vary year-to-year depending on the specific needs of each ensemble and/or repertoire selections.All Jazz Auditions will take place on Flipgrid and are due by Saturday, May 28th.
Please understand that I will try my hardest to fill two completely separate bands, however, if there is not enough of each instrument for two bands, I will only have one band with a limited number. This means that there is a possibility of you not making the jazz band completely. I will have to determine this after auditions.
Audition Requirements for Winds, Piano, Guitar, & Bass
Audition Requirements for Drums
All Auditions will be evaluated on the following:
Flipgrid Audition link – Go to the following link to access the Jazz Audition Flipgrid channel directly https://flipgrid.com/50e9a3d0
All students interested in participating in the Blackwater Beats Jazz Band at any level are encouraged to audition. Auditions are for the following standard big band instrumentation: Alto saxophones, Tenor Saxophones, Bari Saxophones, trumpets, trombones or baritone, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, auxiliary percussion, and drums,). Non-standard jazz instruments such as flute and clarinet can also audition but are not guaranteed a spot. Instrumentation can vary year-to-year depending on the specific needs of each ensemble and/or repertoire selections.All Jazz Auditions will take place on Flipgrid and are due by Saturday, May 28th.
Please understand that I will try my hardest to fill two completely separate bands, however, if there is not enough of each instrument for two bands, I will only have one band with a limited number. This means that there is a possibility of you not making the jazz band completely. I will have to determine this after auditions.
Audition Requirements for Winds, Piano, Guitar, & Bass
- SOLO: Jazz excerpt titled “Stellar”, starting at the beginning to measure 32, with the accompaniment track. Sheet Music and Audio Excerpts are located below.
- Perform this excerpt with the accompaniment playing in the background
- Make sure you use the track that has the accompaniment only.
- SCALES: Jazz Scales (Choose 2)
- IMPROVISATION: Improv over a standard 12 Bar Blues progression in Bb. Audio Excerpts are located below.
Audition Requirements for Drums
- STYLES: Demonstrate rhythmic and “groove” competency in the following musical styles: Swing, Bossa Nova, Funk, Cha-Cha, Rock, Zydeco. 16 measures each with a pause between styles. You may choose whatever tempo you would like, however, cleanliness and musicality must remain prominent. You can record these in which ever Fligrid channel on the Jazz auditions you wish.
- SOLO: Jazz excerpt titled “Stellar”, starting at the beginning to measure 32, with the accompaniment track. Play once through solo as written filling and embellishing over the changes if able. Sheet Music and Audio Excerpts are located below.
All Auditions will be evaluated on the following:
- Individual Expression and Tone Quality
- Technique, Tempo, and Rhythmic Feel
- Appropriate Jazz Style, Phrasing and Improvisation Performance & Musicality
Flipgrid Audition link – Go to the following link to access the Jazz Audition Flipgrid channel directly https://flipgrid.com/50e9a3d0
- Select login with your School Email (This is the Microsoft login version) or a Gmail account.
- From here, you will click the Red Camera icon to record.
- You have 2 minutes and 30 Seconds total to record either video
- When asked, change your Display Name to: Last Name, First Name, Instrument, Current Grade
- Submit when done
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Play along Tracks
Play along track for WINDS CLICK HERE Play along track for GUITARS CLICK HERE Play along track for PIANO CLICK HERE Play along track for BASS CLICK HERE Play along track for DRUMS CLICK HERE 12 Bar Blues Progression play along track in Concert Bb
CLICK HERE |
Blues Scales
Alto Sax
Tenor Sax
Bari Sax
Trumpet/Clarinet
Trombone
Piano/Other Treble Clef Concert Pitched Instruments
Guitar/Flute
Bass
Alto Sax
Tenor Sax
Bari Sax
Trumpet/Clarinet
Trombone
Piano/Other Treble Clef Concert Pitched Instruments
Guitar/Flute
Bass
