Performance Handbook

Senior Jazz Recital Audition requirements:

(Updated October 2023)

Students who wish to perform a senior jazz recital (or include jazz in their program) must follow these regulations:

1. 1. Recitals should consist of a stylistically and historically diverse program of jazz repertoire chosen in conjunction with the student’s principal instructor. The range of styles might include Swing Era, Bebop/Hard Bop, American Songbook, Latin Jazz, Jazz Waltz/Odd-Meter, Blues/Rhythm Changes, Ballad, and/or Contemporary/ECM.
   2. Students must prepare scores for all music they plan to include on their program, including parts for band members (transposed as necessary). Scores and parts must distinguish composed from improvised sections.
   3. Students must have rehearsed with their entire group prior to the audition.
   4. The audition must showcase at least half the full recital program, including substantial improvisations by which the panel can assess the student’s abilities.
   5. Lead performers must memorize the chord progressions for each improvised section on the program. For standard repertoire, lead performers must also memorize the melodies, however they may use sheet music for intricate arrangements as needed.
   6. Both the recital and the audition should feature the primary performer. Other band members should limit the length of their improvisations.
   7. Senior Music majors must provide a draft of program notes at the audition. They should include the following information for each piece on the program:
      1. Source information. This must include composers and their birth/death years, and may also include arrangers, performances serving as a model, etc.
      2. A rationale for including that selection in the recital.
      3. An explanation of any relevant historical, theoretical, or philosophical factors.
   8. The student’s principal instructor must be invited to the audition. If unable to attend, the instructor should prepare a letter describing the student’s abilities and level of preparation. Students should also furnish their principal instructor with a recording of the audition within one day.
   9. Students must consult the concert manager to reserve a recital date. Only the concert manager can write the reservation in the Music Department calendar.