Jazz Ensembles
The Georgia Tech Jazz Program, under the direction of Dr. Chip Crotts, provides a great opportunity to study one of America’s greatest and most unique art forms. The Jazz Ensembles explore music from the late 1920’s through the present day, including works by composers such as Duke Ellington, Bill Holman, Sammy Nestico, Charles Mingus and Pat Metheny. Emphasis in these groups is focused on ensemble playing and the art of improvisation, an essential element in jazz tradition.
Dr. Chip Crotts (D.M.A., Univ. of Texas at Austin): Director of Jazz Studies (Jazz Ensembles, History of Jazz)
Jazz Ensemble rehearsals are Tues/Thurs from 3:30-4:45pm, while the Jazz Combos meet Tues/Thurs from 5:00-6:15pm. Both jazz ensembles are run by a faculty director, while each combo rehearses once per week with a combo coach, and once per week for separately. A sample weekly Jazz Ensemble rehearsal schedule can be found below:
Tuesday
3:05 Tuning
3:15 It Might as Well Be Spring
3:30 Two Seconds to Midnight
3:45- But Beautiful
4:00- Four Brothers (No saxes, brass and percussion backgrounds only)
Thursday
3:05 Tuning
3:15 Vocal chart
3:30 But Beautiful (Solos w/ backgrounds)
3:45 Two Seconds to Midnight
4:00 Doozy (Supersax with Rhythm Section)
Students can earn general elective credits by performing in one of our Combos and by participating in the Jazz Ensembles, provided they meet the requirements listed in your Georgia Tech Catalog. Each semester will earn you one (1) credit towards your total count as determined by the Institute.
Course Name: Jazz Ensemble
Course Name: Jazz Combo
GT Jazz Program Audition Process- The audition process at Tech is very straightforward but may be a bit different than those you've done in the past in high school or elsewhere. All auditions are done in person on the GT campus and will take place on Tuesday, August 19th, between 3:30-8:30pm in West Village Building, Rooms 163 and 275. This facility is on West Campus and is where all jazz courses are taught.
The auditions will include all registered students: those who play wind/string instruments, rhythm instruments and vocalists. Here are the requirements for each specific area.
Wind/String Players & Vocalist Auditions
- 1-2 minute prepared piece (jazz standard, transcription, etude, part of a jazz band song, classical etude, etc.) that demonstrates your musical experience and aptitude.
- Opportunity for Improvisation (if desired)
- Short sight-reading of a standard Basie style jazz arrangement (for wind players)
Rhythm Section Players (drums, bass, guitar, piano/vibes)
Drums
- Sight-Reading from a Basie style big band chart
- Trade 4’s with yourself on set
- Demonstration of Basic Grooves and Styles -swing, funk, waltz, latin, uptempo swing, etc.
Bass
- 12 bar blues walking
- Demonstration of Basic Grooves and Styles -Blues, swing, Bossa nova, etc.
- Sight-Reading from a Basie style big band chart
Guitar
- Prepared Transcription, tune or anything that can demonstrate your skillset
- Sight-Reading from a Basie style big band chart - This will include a melody line/comping chords.
Piano/Vibes
- Prepared Transcription, tune or anything that can demonstrate your skillset
- Sight-Reading from a Basie style big band chart - This will include a melody line/comping chords.
SIGN-UP SHEET -
The sign-up sheet will be on my NEW office door, West Village 271 after Tuesday, August 12th. All registered students will need to stop by and sign up for a 5-minute slot for the day of the auditions. Please also list your instrument next to your name on the sign-up sheet.
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Ensembles