Ensembles

ASU music ensembles are open to students from all academic majors, university-wide.

Home / Ensembles / Jazz Combos
Feature Image: 
jazz musicians performing

Jazz Combos

Jazz Combo participation, the core of the Jazz Studies curriculum, provides an opportunity for students to develop improvisational skills in a variety of styles including bebop, fusion and avant-garde, while offering a creative outlet for composers and arrangers. 

COURSE CREDIT

Course Credit: 

Undergraduates: MUP 479 Topic: Jazz Combo
Graduates: MUP 579 Topic: Jazz Combo
1 credit

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals: 

Mondays and Wednesdays 3:05 - 4:45 p.m.
Music W114

CONTACT

Contact: 

Michael Kocour


Audition Information

Audition Information: 

Jazz Ensemble Auditions

Auditions for all jazz ensembles and combos will be held during the first week of classes.  Once you have been placed in an ensemble, we will get you an override to add the class or ensemble.

Times/Dates

Rhythm Section
4:00 PM-5:30 PM, Thursday, August 20, 2020

Woodwinds and Brass
10:00 AM-3:00 PM, Friday, August 21, 2020
10:00 AM-4:30 PM, Monday, August 24, 2020

If these times don’t work for you, contact Michael.Kocour@asu.edu

Schedule your audition now!

Audition Format

PREPARED PIECE: This performance may be prerecorded or performed live via social distancing (or remotely “live” via Zoom). A jazz selection is preferred but is not required. Selections may be performed solo or with a backing track. For jazz selections, consider a backing track with the iRealPro or Jamey Aebersold play along series. Your performance should include your interpretation of the piece’s melody and, ideally, improvisation. Please keep this selection under 4 minutes.

SIGHT-READING: You will be asked to sight-read parts from two big band arrangements. Pianists, guitarists, and bassists will be asked to sight-read chord symbols.

When you prepare to sight read and potentially perform remotely “live” via Zoom, please consider the following:

  • Use a computer or large tablet as opposed to a smartphone if possible. This will make it easier for you to see the sight-reading etude.
  • Test your sound in advance of your audition to make sure you are maximizing your outgoing audio quality.

Zoom Auditions

We understand the limits of conducting jazz auditions via Zoom should we need to do so. We are keeping to the performance of your prepared selection flexible to help account for, among other things, the instrument you play or sing, and your access to technology. We understand that your instrument and/or voice and your gear may not allow you to adequately represent your full abilities remotely “live” via Zoom. This is why we are providing the option to submit a recording, as this may give a better representation of your performance.

Ensemble Meeting Times

Combos: 3:05-4:45 PM, Monday, Wednesday, OR Friday
Jazz Repertory Band: 1:15-2:45 PM, Monday and Wednesday
Concert Jazz Band: 3:15-4:45 PM, Tuesday and Thursday
Latin Jazz Band: 3:05-4:45 PM, Monday

Audition Requirements: 
  • sight reading
  • scales
  • prepared jazz excerpt (optional)
  • improvisation (optional)