Jazz Ensembles

UAH Jazz Ensembles

The UAH Jazz Ensembles are 16-20 piece bands which focus on contemporary big band literature. The Jazz Ensembles have performed internationally, with tours to Sweden, Finland, Cuba , and Puerto Rico. Students in the band develop an understanding of - and experience in - jazz styles, improvisation, and performance techniques. The UAH Jazz Combos number four to eight members while focusing on improvisation and small group jazz. All jazz students gain exposure to a wide variety of jazz styles.  Additionally, they develop a basic understanding of jazz improvisation, and, if interested, are encouraged to explore jazz arranging.

Many outstanding jazz soloists have performed at UAH, usually accompanied by student groups. These artists have included: Gene Aitken, Ray Anderson, Chocolate Armenteros, Jeanie Bryson, Greg Chambers, Rick Davies, Dave Gannett, Darrell Grant, Kathy Kosins, Charlie Lyle, Ladd McIntosh, Miles Osland, May Peters, Billy Ross, Jerry Tachoir, Harry Watters, and Ken Watters.

Jazz opportunities are available to all UAH students, regardless of major. There is a Jazz emphasis available for those music majors who are interested in intensive jazz study. UAH Jazz groups have performed internationally, with trips to Sweden, Finland, Cuba, and Puerto Rico.

Jazz Auditions

The UAH Department of Music has a large jazz ensemble (big band) led by Professor Steve Motz <motzs@uah.edu> and Professor Nick Walker <nvw0004@uah.edu> and smaller jazz combos led by Professor Josh Couts <jwc0020@uah.edu>. Assignment to a specific group will depend on the jazz auditions. Jazz auditions are scheduled individually with the ensemble directors. Please email the appropriate ensemble directors directly to schedule an audition. For additional questions please contact the Music Office at 256.824.6436.

Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Piano, Bass, and Guitar Auditions

In the these auditions, you will play two tunes:

• Swing Audition Tune
• Latin Audition Tune

You will play them with a recorded rhythm section, which means you must keep the tempo. After the count-off clicks, play the melody one time. If you wish, you can improvise the second time. Improvisation is not required.

Instrument Files and Instructions

Alto Sax, Bari Sax

• Swing PDF file – Eb
• Swing MP3 file – No melody
• Latin PDF file – Eb
• Latin MP3 file – No Melody

Tenor Sax, Trumpet

• Swing PDF file – Bb
• Swing MP3 file – No melody
• Latin PDF file – Bb
• Latin MP3 file – No Melody

Trombone

• Swing PDF file – Bass Clef
• Swing MP3 file – No melody
• Latin PDF file – Bass Clef
• Latin MP3 file – No Melody

Piano

• Swing PDF file – C Treble
• Swing MP3 file – No Piano, No Guitar
• Latin PDF file – C Treble
• Latin MP3 file – No Piano, No Guitar

Guitar

• Swing PDF file – C Treble
• Swing MP3 file – No Piano, No Guitar
• Latin PDF file – C Treble
• Latin MP3 file – No Piano, No Guitar

Bass

• Swing PDF file – Bass Clef
• Swing MP3 file – No Bass
• Latin PDF file – Bass Clef
• Latin MP3 file – No Bass

Drums

In the Drums audition, you will be asked to play various patterns from the Drum Audition Sheet, following the instructions on the sheet. If you would like to demonstrate additional patterns, please ask during your audition.