All students interested in a jazz focus must perform all of the audition requirements listed under their specific instrument as well as the requirements found on this page.
Etude Book: Jazz Conception by Jim Snidero (Advance Music/Kendor)
- All auditionees (except drum set) - perform two major scales and two Dorian modes across a two-octave range chosen from keys up to four sharps and flats (swing eighth notes at quarter note = 140).
Winds
- perform the etude ROSE from Jazz Conception
- improvise one chorus on ROSE changes and two choruses of F concert Blues.
- perform a second selection of your choice.
- sight read a short piece.
Piano and Guitar
- Comp changes on the etude GROOVE BLUES from Jazz Conception.
- Perform a second selection of your choice that includes improvisation.
- sight read an etude.
Bass
- Walk two choruses of F concert Blues in a moderate swing style.
- perform the etude A DOLL from Jazz Conception using two beat and four beat walking patterns.
- Improvise one chorus of GROOVE BLUES from Jazz Conception.
- perform a second selection of your choice.
- sight read a short piece.
Drum Set
- demonstrate four styles -- moderate swing, Bossa Nova, ballad, and funk.
- perform a four bar fill in a moderate swing style.
- sight read an moderate swing jazz etude.
To schedule an audition or an interview with faculty members please contact Lisa Graham-Herrick, at lgraham@gettysburg.edu (or 717-337-6239). For all other inquiries regarding the music program and audition requirements, please contact Dr. Amanda Heim, at aheim@gettysburg.edu or 717-337-6146.