Jazz Ensemble

All instruments and skill levels are welcome to audition for the Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Combos. Placements will be based on the audition, the ensembles’ needs, and students’ schedules. Students with questions can email Dr. Crystal Rebone at crystal.rebone@wheaton.edu.

• Clinics with visiting jazz musicians
  Past clinicians include saxophonists John Wojciechowski, Jarrard Harris, and Artie Black, Dr. Ron Carter, trumpeter Marquis Hill, saxophonist Caroline Davis, trumpeter Victor Garcia, drummer Joel Spencer, and many more!
• Performances with touring jazz musicians
  Guest artists have included Dana Hall, Mike Lee & New Tricks, John Raymond Trio, and the Luke Gillespie Trio.
• Trips to hear world-class jazz in Chicago
  Jazz outings include trips to the Chicago Jazz Festival, The Jazz Showcase and Symphony Center Jazz concerts.
• Recording experience
  Combos record annually in spaces such as Wheaton's studios and the Chicago Recording Company.
• Collaborative workshops with other Chicago-area jazz ensembles
• Additional performances at The Stupe and at Chapel

Vocalists Auditions
1. Sing “Fly Me to The Moon” in any key that is most comfortable.
2. Sing any song, around 2 minutes, that best demonstrates your abilities.

A Bluetooth speaker will be available if you want a backing track.

Instrumental Auditions
1. Prepare measures 1 to 33 of the big band arrangement of “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To”. This will be played with the recording via Bluetooth speaker.
2. Play one song of your choice in the jazz style that best showcases your abilities.
3. Improvise over 2 choruses of a Bb Blues.

Drums
Prepare the following grooves
- Swing
- Bossa
- Rock

Audition Music By Instrument

Note: Students do NOT need to be a music major to audition and do not need to re-audition once they have been accepted into the ensemble. Returning members must register for Jazz before Aug 25. 

Develop your sound and improvisational method through one-on-one study with our outstanding roster of private teachers. To enroll in private study, visit the Conservatory office in the Armerding Center for Music and the Arts and send an email to your instructor of choice:

• James Davis, jazz trumpet & combos:  james.davis@wheaton.edu
• Arthur Black, jazz saxophone: arthur.black@wheaton.edu
• Bradley Williams, jazz piano & vocals: info@bradleywilliamslive.com
• Steve Ramsdell, jazz guitar: ramsdellwade@comcast.net
• Lucas Gillan, jazz drums: lwgillan@gmail.com