Advice Needed for improv. during audtion.

[trjeam]

For my All State Jazz Band Audition I have to improvise during a song ( I can't remember the name of the song).

Any suggestion about what the judges will be looking for ext...

thanks
_________________
Jorge Ayala Jr: Trumpeter/Producer
http://www.facebook.com/JorgeAyalaJr
http://www.twitter.com/JorgeAyalaMusic

[Nicholas Dyson]

They'll be looking for you to be musical, while making the changes. At least that's what I would look for. Knowing the name of the tune doesn't matter. I'm horrible with names. But, learn the changes man! Learn the tune, forget the name. The opposite is so frustrating!
_________________
Nicholas Dyson
Ottawa, Canada

[Strawdoggy]

Learn the tune, forget the name. The opposite is so frustrating!
_________________
Nick,

Truer word were never spoken. I can't tell you how many times I've been working with a group and they say, hey , you know such-and-such?" I'll say "give me the first phrase" ,and I usually know it, but can't remember the name. That's why I think it is important to learn words to the standards (I preach it, but always practice it myself).

Steve

[jazz_trpt]

[trjeam]

By the way i just wanted to let you guys know that I am not trying out for the lead spot. I am trying out as a section trumpeter.

So what exacly do judges look for in a good section trumpeter?

[trumpetteacher1]

George,

In Texas, they used to divide between "section" player and "lead" player, but stopped it years ago. Why? One example is, a while back two of my students were the best players in the region. Still, at region contest, only one of them could make the top band, as the "loser" dropped down to second band lead. It was dumb, as both should have made first band.

But there is only one band at the state level. How is it done in Maryland?

Is this audition taped or live? If taped, tone won't be much of a factor. The judges will be looking for chops, accuracy, and style. If you have the chops to play the higher cuts, you should do so.

As for improv, download some different versions of the tune you will be playing (in Texas, it's "A" Train), and STEAL SOME LICKS. Customize them in your own way.

Competition is fierce, so don't hold anything back, or play it safe, etc. You will regret making a mistake for about 5 minutes, but not giving your all can stick with you for a long time.

Jeff
http://www.trumpetteacher.net

[trjeam]

[jazz_trpt]

[trumpetteacher1]

George,

You said, "I figured that since I am not trying out for lead that the judges would look and worry more about my tone and technique and wether or not I have the chops or not then worrying about my range."

I was one of the judges for all-state jazz last year, and probably will be this year. George, believe me when I say that tone goes out the window quickly when you hear poor quality recordings hour after hour. As a judge, you can only guess what the player REALLY sounds like.

When I'm judging, if I have the choice of a player who does the etudes well, and another one who does the etudes well AND plays the higher octave stuff, I choose the second guy every time.

Of course, you have to add in the improv, which strongly influences the results. If you are a top-notch jazzer, you will really move up in the rankings.

Jeff
http://www.trumpetteacher.net

[trjeam]

[pair of kings]

George - I would say go for good style, good timing and feel for the type of music that you are playing. Make sure your solo has some direction/ shape to it - know the changes & what scales you cn use. show that you can get around your horn - don't keep everything within an octave range. put in some space - and some dynamics. show style with articulation - for swing eighths-don't play everything slurred or with a heavy tongue.
and don't worry about what kind of mood the judges will be in. if you are in tune and show good phrasing they will try to listen with an open mind.
good luck - play from your heart!!

[trumpetteacher1]

George,

My advice was about the written etudes (I assume that some are required) and the separate improv etude, rather than just focusing on the improv by itself.

For the improv, reread the good advice that PC and the others on this thread have offered. And, I repeat, STEAL SOME LICKS. The more professional you sound, the more the judges will be impressed. Imitating a pro is the best thing that you can do in this situation, especially if you are young and not particularly experienced at improv.

Tape yourself during improv practice. Listen to the tape. Does it sound good to you? Play the tape for somebody with jazz experience. Do they agree?

Competition is for the competent. Some of the kids I've heard in recent years (Brandon Lee from Houston is a good example) could sit in at jazz clubs anywhere in the country and hold their own.

So aim high!

Jeff
http://www.trumpetteacher.net

[Goldenchops55]

George,
In the past you have talked about great improvising skills you possess. Just try to have fun. Do like Jeff and other suggested, steal licks from the big guys! Don't be afraid to make a mistake, if you make a mistake, MAKE IT LOUD! Just have fun with it. Listen to what the others said.

Just my $0.02.

[trjeam]

thanks goldenchops.

I can improvise pretty good for a crowd. I guess I'm a crowd pleaser. So I wasn't sure how to approach a audition.

[Andrew]

[trumpetteacher1]

Andrew,

I am familiar with HSPVA, as my wife held down the lead alto chair in the jazz band there for two years back in the 70's. Their standards have been high for a long time.

Regarding the relative importance of the improv in the tryout, here's how it works.

The judges listen to the first etude of each player, which takes about two hours. Then the next etude, and another two hours. By the third etude, each judge is getting a pretty good idea who knows their etudes - there may be around 10 players who really come close to nailing everything, and they tend to be bunched pretty closely together in the scoring.

The problem is, only 5 can be chosen for state.

So, the improv (which comes next) plays a HUGE role in determining the outcome. In other words, if your improv is poor, the odds of you making it are small, as too many players are good at both.

If your improv is outstanding (ala Mr. Lee) you still have an outside chance of making it, even if your etudes are only fair, as it is the last thing the judges hear.

Play the etudes rigorously, as if each were the lead book in a big band. Play the upper register stuff at full throttle. Add inflections sparingly - save most of your interpretive stuff for the improv.

As for A Train solos to borrow from, take your pick. Most pros have recorded it at least once, and there are hundreds (thousands?) of great licks to choose from and have fun making into your own.

Spend more time on the improv!

Jeff
http://www.trumpetteacher.net

[Andrew]

Thank you for the wisdom.

So, the etudes get you into the the mix, but the improv ultimately decides things. I feel my etudes are coming along really well, the high register has been very consistent for me. The ballad is quite an endurance test but it gets more comfortable every day.

I'll have to work on my improv-it's never been my strong suit, even though I have a pretty good grasp of music theory. I've usually been playing the lead stuff, so it's never really been forced on me, either. I sifted through my CD collection and found 3 versions of "A Train", so I do have some ideas to "borrow". It'll just take time for me to get used to the changes.

[jazz_trpt]

[jazz_trpt]

I had enough requests for this that I'll do my best to make it available on my website in the next few days. (No guarantees, kind of a busy week ahead.)
_________________
Jeff Helgesen
Free jazz solo transcriptions! :: Jazz Mayhem CD

[Jam_Man_Tpt]

Tjream,
Judges are always looking for and are impressed with turnaround patterns. So learn some, forget them, and make up your own.
_________________
Ben Love
Trumpet: Bach Strad Model 25
Mouthpieces: Bach Mega Tone 3C
Marcinkiewicz E12.4 Ingram

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
-Epsilon Gamma

"Once a Sinfonian, Always a Sinfonian, Long Live Sinfonia!!!"