Advanced Jazz Ensemble
Hi All,
I’m Mr. Watkins, a new DJW Jazz Ensemble (DJWJE) director/coach and I’m happy you are interested in playing in this ensemble (advanced high school jazz musicians).
I would like to offer you the opportunity to audition and play with your peers in this big band. We would meet on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am and end at 11:00 am. All music and communication will be done via email. Music you will play will be online or handed to you during rehearsal.
In this big band it is required that you learn and listen to the music before rehearsal. I hope you have or will be able to find a teacher for your instrument (let us know if you need a recommendation).
Experience of 5 plus years, an informed sound on your instrument for jazz music/ language, with the ability to read syncopated rhythms, navigate through ii-V’s or the blues on the spot, and willing to work as a team with other upper level musicians.
We will play music that is advanced to professional.
If you have a school responsibility please email me so that I know you will not be at rehearsal. You will be responsible for copying any and all lost parts.
Other Expectation:
Listening to our music and practicing Be On Time for rehearsal
Have your instrument for rehearsal (mouth piece, reeds, oil, drum sticks, mallets, brushes, and focus)
Have your music for rehearsal, hard copy or large ipad (digital). No phones used to read your part; digital sheet music.
Treat your peers and the environment respectfully.
Be prepared to contribute to the big band music and collaborations.
You will video yourself playing the etude with the backing track and send it to this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewQBowU2l57-m4ZVrtYIdmrrz31yRazUcLzru6mA vY2fs8cA/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Your audition video will be due January 11th 2026.
If there are any questions or concerns email me as soon as possible at: [email protected]
For audition details for your instrument, click on the instrument name to have access to the files:
Alto Saxophone
play 2 scales 2 octaves (E & Bb) = quarter note 120
Tenor Saxophone
play 2 scales 2 octaves (B & Bb) = quarter note 120
Bari Saxophone
play 2 scales 2 octaves (E & Bb) = quarter note 120
Trumpet
play 2 scales 2 octaves (D & Bb) = quarter note 120
Trombone
play 2 scales 2 octaves (Ab & Bb) = quarter note 120
Guitar
play 2 scales 2 octaves (A & F) = quarter note 120
Piano
play 2 scales 2 octaves (Gb & E) = quarter note 120
Bass
play 2 scales 2 octaves (Ab & Bb) = quarter note 120
Drums
play double paradiddle, afro-cuban groove and an alternating open 5 stroke roll = quarter note 120
Vibraphone (will have to supply your own instrument) play 2 scales 2 octaves (Ab & Bb) = quarter note 120