Follow These Steps to Join The CHS Jazz Program
(Audition deadline is May 24)
Step 1 - Watch this YouTube video on how the CHS Jazz Program works. (It is especially recommended before attending our CHS Info nights, where we will hold Q&A sessions. Parents will learn a lot from this video, too!) Our brochure on our website is also helpful.
Step 1 Link: https://youtu.be/0Bwh5zT9m9I
Step 2 - Go to "Enrollment' in our website to learn more about split enrolling.
Click: "Enrollment" above on this page.
Step 3 - Determine which level you would like to audition for (Jazz I or Jazz II). Look at the choices below to determine which you would like to go for!
Step 4 - Plan to attend a CHS Information Session, held on Zoom. The dates and links are at www.a2schools.org/community
Here you will learn more about our wonderful school, the lottery, and split-enrollment.
Step 5 - Fill out this form (CHS Jazz Interest Survey) if interested in possibly joining CHS Jazz (This is not a commitment, just you showing interest, and it will keep you in the loop for things like signing up for auditions!) Reading below will help you fill this out better.
Step 5 Link: https://forms.gle/uTidU7mYFezmzaeV8
Step 6 - Follow the path for the level you wish to audition for:
Jazz I or Jazz II
Jazz I Auditions* require the following, and will take place in April and May at Community High:
#1 - Perform any piece in any style that you feel shows your best work.
#2 - Play at least four scales you know (major or minor), in any way you are used to practicing them. Drummers will have to do this on a melodic instrument of choice, such as on the piano, bells, vibraphone, guitar, or some kind of wind instrument.
#3 - Try a few things on the spot that I will show you, which gives an idea of what's coming ahead!
Once you have filled out the interest survey above in Step 2, you will be emailed in April with a chance to sign up for audition slots in April or May.
*
We have two options at (the beginner level.) The leadership of our experienced musicians and flexibility within our programs allow us to provide a parallel option within the Jazz I block for some students. This allows some students to dip their toes into the jazz world without mastering all benchmarks of Jazz I, where they can explore jazz in a smaller setting with an older, experienced jazz student. Some will dive right into Jazz I, where the dedication is to advance toward an upper level jazz combo. Which option is best is based on student instrumental skill, interest, and desire. Movement between these options is possible and will be revisited at various points throughout the year.
Jazz II Auditions are in a few parts to help you succeed.
By indicating in the survey in Step 5 that you are interested in possibly auditioning for Jazz II, Jack will email an invite to an initial meeting to go over the expectations and learn strategies for how to practice for the audition in May.
#1 - Before signing up for the initial meeting, open this link to find the packet of music you will need for your audition. Printing it off is recommended! Please bring with you to the initial meeting, too!
-- See below for details. ++
Link for Jazz II Music:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-0jJNO95qfpqb-f21xGxGIfdMLA3ozHK?usp=sharing
#2 - Open this link and watch videos within. Begin with the video labeled "All Musicians Start Here." These videos will help you know how to practice from the packet and what we are looking for. Though the auditions won't be until May, students going for Jazz II will need the time between now and then to practice.
Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KQD7BCOMmsMwsb9OmTRLdRkIEdu6jHwA?usp=sharing
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The C Instrument Packet is for piano, guitar, violin, flute, drummers and percussionists, such as mallet players, vocalists, and also French horn and Viola. The French hornists will have to do some transposing, and violists will have to use treble clef.
The Bass Clef Packet is for bass, tuba, trombone, baritone or euphonium, bassoon, and cello.
The B Flat Instrument Packet is for trumpet, clarinet, soprano sax, and tenor sax.
The E Flat Instrument Packet is for alto sax and baritone sax.