RIT Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos Auditions

Event Image
Student playing a saxophone

RIT Jazz auditions Fall 2025

Students should sign up for an audition time slot and adhere to the following guidelines.
*All auditionees will be asked to improvise over a simple 12 bar blues in the key of their choice.

Voice
Prepare a scale of your choice that demonstrates your vocal range
Prepare a jazz standard and a ballad (contrasting tempos)
Improvise over 12 bar blues progression

Trumpets
2 octave chromatic C major scale
One other 2 octave scale or mode of your choice
Prepare a short etude or jazz standard of your choice
Sight reading example will be provided
Trombones
2 octave F major scale
One other 2 octave scale or mode of your choice
Prepare a short etude or jazz standard of your choice
Sight reading example will be provided

Saxophones
2 octave Bb major scale
One other 2 octave scale or mode of your choice
Prepare a short etude or jazz standard of your choice
Sight reading example will be provided

Piano/Guitar
Prepare a jazz standard, demonstrate the melody and comp chords throughout the piece.
Sight reading over a lead sheet (provided) including sight reading melody, and chord comping.
Demonstrate ii V7 I progression in as many keys as possible

Drumset
Demonstrate a swing feel a three different tempos (60bpm, 100bpm, 120bpm)
Demonstrate straight 8th note or Latin feel
Other various grooves and brush work if applicable
Sight reading a big band chart (provided)

Bass
Walk 12 bar blues in the key of your choice
F major scale 2 octaves
Sight reading includes walking over a jazz standard

Please contact Professor Kyle Vock at kdvspa@rit.edu with any questions.


Contact
School of Performing Arts
Event Snapshot
When and Where
August 25, 2025
4:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Room/Location: Annex 907, standalone trailer behind the SAU
August 26, 2025
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Room/Location: Annex 907, standalone trailer behind the SAU
August 27, 2025
4:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Room/Location: Annex 907, standalone trailer behind the SAU
Who

This is an RIT Only Event

Interpreter Requested?

No

Topics
creativity and innovation
performing arts