Please note: sheet music may not be fully accessible to all users. If you need assistance or would like to request an accessible version, please contact the necessary applied faculty on our "People" webpage. We are happy to help ensure you have access to the materials you need.

Auditions will take place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 10:00am-6:00pm in Room B12 (basement floor practice room area).

NOTE: Do not register for either ensemble until rosters have been posted.

Audition Sign-Up Information

1. Please sign up for your audition via the JMU Jury System.
   • User accounts are created automatically by clicking the Login link in the main menu and logging in through the JMU portal and Okta two-factor authentication system.
2. Enter your JMU credentials.
3. Once logged in, proceed to the Book Tab; select "Book a Time."
4. Select "Jazz Auditions" and follow the listed instructions to reserve an audition time.
   • If you need to change your audition time, please follow the instructions accordingly. You will receive a cancellation code when you register, just in case.

Instrumental Audition Process

All auditionees will perform All-Virginia Jazz Ensemble Audition Etude Rotation B (contrafact on Autumn Leaves). Follow the hyperlink to access your specific part by clicking on "Audition Etudes*."

All auditions (except drumset) will be played over a backing track. Follow the same hyperlink as the audition etude to access your backing track and click on "Audition Etude Sound Files*." Backing track recordings will be provided at audition.

The backing track is two choruses in length:

• First chorus: play the written etude (piano, bass, and guitar see below)
• Second chorus: (optional) improvise on etude's chord changes
• Drums play both choruses of the written part, no backing track.

*You do not need to access anything else on the VBODA page—there will be no sightreading, scale requirements, or rhythm section required styles at this audition.

Specific Instrument Instructions:

• ALL WIND INSTRUMENTS: you will play along with the "Rotation B: Instrument" backing track at your audition.
• FLUTE: prepare the vibraphone excerpt (play 8va throughout)
• SOPRANO CLARINET: prepare the tenor saxophone excerpt. Do not transpose 8vb.
• TENOR SAXOPHONE: play the last two bars of the etude 8va (the part as written goes to low A)
• SAXOPHONISTS: you may audition on alto, tenor, or bari. We may ask if you are willing to be placed on a different saxophone than your audition, depending on the needs of the ensemble (no need to prepare auditions on more than one type of saxophone).
• TRUMPETS do not need to prepare the Optional Lead Part that is included in the trumpet etude, even if you are auditioning for the lead trumpet chair.
• TUBA: prepare the bass trombone excerpt.
• PIANO: 
  • 1st chorus: comp using YOUR OWN voicings and rhythms (you do not need to prepare the written voicings/rhythms).
  • 2nd chorus: improvise (comp under your solo as appropriate).
• GUITAR:
  • 1st chorus: free comping (not Freddie style). Do not play the written line but use it as a guide for your free comping.
  • 2nd chorus: improvise (comp under your solo as appropriate).
• BASS:
  • 1st chorus: you may use the given bass part, construct your own walking line, or use a combination of the two.
  • 2nd chorus: improvise.
• DRUMSET:
  • The "Rotation B: Drums" backing track is (at least at the time of this posting) for a different Autumn Leaves contrafact than your written part (the horn kicks are similar, but not always the same as the kicks on your part). As a result, you will not play along with a backing track.
  • Play both choruses as written. Play/set up the hits and solo fills as if in a big band setting.
  • If auditioning for drumset only, you do not need to prepare the vibraphone excerpt.
  • You will not be asked to demonstrate additional styles.
  • When registering online for your audition time, choose the "Drummer—12-minute slot" option.

Vocal Audition Process

Audition Piece: My One and Only Love

• If singing in C major, use the LearnJazzStandards.com backing track (will be provided at the audition).
• If singing the piece in a key other than C major, we will provide an iReal Pro backing track in the appropriate key at the audition. Create your own iReal Pro backing track for audition preparation. Many recordings can be found on YouTube.

Vocalists should do the following in their audition:

• 1st chorus: melody/lyric, stylized as you see fit
• no second chorus (no improvisation)

COMING SOON

Jazz Chamber Ensemble (MUAP 355): Membership is open to all JMU students by audition. Ensembles are student-run with weekly faculty coaching. Repertoire includes all styles of small-group jazz with an emphasis on creative improvisation. Performances are held at various local establishments.

Meeting Times:

TBD upon combo placement and availability

Jazz Combo Spring Performance Dates:

Thursdays, 7pm @ Clementine Cafe

Jazz Band (MUAP 348): The JMU Jazz Band, founded in 1979, is a select group of approximately 20 students per semester. Membership, determined by audition at the beginning of each semester, is open to all JMU students and typically includes students from majors across campus. Students study repertoire that includes all major styles of big band jazz, as well as student arrangements and compositions. The ensemble has performed with a variety of well-known jazz artists. Recent guests include NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan, Joe Sullivan, Mike Titlebaum, Jim White, and Steve Wilson. For additional information, please contact Dr. Dotas at dotascj@jmu.edu.

Meeting Times:

Tuesday/Thursday, 3:55-5:10pm

Forbes 1115

Jazz Band Fall Concert Dates*:

• October 1, 7:30pm with Jazz Ensemble | Forbes Concert Hall
• December 7, 7:30pm with Jazz Ensemble | Forbes Concert Hall

*please review your syllabus for dress rehearsal dates for these concerts.

Jazz Ensemble (MUAP 347): Membership is open to all JMU students by audition. The James Madison University Jazz Ensemble was founded in 1971 and is the premier jazz group in the School of Music at James Madison University. The ensemble has performed at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage in Washington, DC, the Montreux International Jazz and Blues Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, and the Virginia Music Educator's Association annual convention. The JMU Jazz Ensemble has been featured with the United States Navy Commodores Jazz Ensemble, the United States Air Force Airmen of Note Jazz Ensemble, and at the East Coast Jazz Festival in Rockville, Maryland.

The ensemble has performed with many well-known jazz artists, including Dick Oatts, John Clayton, Greg Gisbert, Nate Smith, Shelia Jordan, Mike Holober, Joseph Eckert, Clay Jenkins, John D’Earth, Chris Merz, Mike Titlebaum, and Jim White. For additional information, please contact Dr. Dotas at dotascj@jmu.edu.

Meeting Times: 

Monday - 5:20-6:10pm

Tuesday/Thursday - 3:55-5:10pm

Music Building Room 108

Jazz Ensemble Fall Concert Dates*:

• October 1, 7:30pm with Jazz Band | Forbes Concert Hall
• December 7, 7:30pm with Jazz Band | Forbes Concert Hall

*please review your syllabus for dress rehearsal dates for these concerts.