How to Join the Orchestra

JAO AUDITION AND PARTICIPATION INFORMATION
Sligo Middle School
1401 Dennis Ave. Silver Spring, MD

The Jazz Academy, under the direction of renowned Jazz Saxophonist Paul Carr, holds auditions each semester for its Jazz Orchestra (JAO). To be eligible musicians must have at least 1 year of formal music training and are in 7th-12th grades. The Orchestras will perform 2-3 times each semester at various venues around the Washington Metropolitan area.

Participation Requirements

Rehearsal Location Sligo Middle School
1401 Dennis Ave.
Silver Spring, MD
Rehearsal Frequency Bi-Weekly—Wednesday’s 7pm-8:45pm
Fall Semester: 9/17-12/10 (No rehearsal on 11/26)
Winter Semester: 1/28-5/6 (No rehearsal during spring break)
Special rehearsals may be called periodically as extra preparation for performances.
Participation Fee $265.00 per semester payable on or before the first day of each semester for returning members and the first rehearsal after accepted into the JAO for new members.
Performance Attire Students will be required to wear a black jacket, long black skirts or black pants and white blouses or shirts or the Jazz Academy Polo shirt depending on the formality of the performance event. Students will be issued a Jazz Academy Orchestra Polo Shirt and a Patch to be sewn on the black jacket.


Audition Requirements

Material
  • Must play scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats.
  • Must sight-read.
  • Improvisation over Bb or F blues is optional however it will be considered a plus and is encouraged. Vocalist and those who chose not to improvise should be prepared to sing or play a piece of their choice.
  • Auditioning on multiple instruments is considered a plus and is also encouraged.
Scheduling and Notification Must complete the Application for Audition Form. You will be contacted by the Academy to schedule your audition time. Selected members will be notified of the Music Director’s decision within 1 week after their audition.
Available Positions Piano (1) Drums (1) Bass Guitar (1) Rhythm Guitar (1) Alto Sax (2) Tenor Sax (2) Baritone Sax (1) Trumpet (2) Trombone (3) Clarinet (2) Flute (2) Violin (2)

If you would like to schedule an audition please click here or go to “Audition Application Form” under “Orchestra” in the menu above and complete the Audition Application Form.

You may call the Jazz Academy offices at 301-871-8418 for more information.

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Thanks to ……

The Jazz Academy of Music is supported in part by funding from the Montgomery County government and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.