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 2 years 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: September 21st – December 7th.
Winter Semester: January 11th – May 9th (No rehearsal during spring break)
Special rehearsals may be called periodically as extra preparation for performances.
Participation Fee The registration fee of $530.00 can be paid in two installments of $265.00, on or before the first day of each semester for returning members and the first rehearsal after acceptance into the JAO for new members. If paid by Visa or MasterCard, the second installment will be automatically charged to your credit card at the beginning of the second semester. If you elect to pay by check the first installment is $353.00 and the second installment due on or before the beginning of the second semester is $177.00. We will hold your reservation for 7 days and will confirm your reservation upon receipt of your check.

Checks should be made payable to:
The Jazz Academy of Music
13721 Middlevale Lane
Silver Spring, MD 20906

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 (2); Drums (2); Bass Guitar (3); Rhythm Guitar (2); Alto Sax (5); Tenor Sax (5); Baritone Sax (2); Trumpet (5); Trombone (4); Clarinet (4); Flute (4); 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.

Notices

Vocalists .....

JAM Camp and JAM Lab for the Beginner and Intermediate Level Vocalists

If you are a singer, in 5th - 12th grade, interested in exploring the world of Jazz then JAM Camp and JAM Lab are for you. It will allow you to expand your knowledge of Jazz and improvisation, and help to take your vocal performance to the next level.
Instructor: Eric Byrd
Click here for more information!

Register Now

Register now for JAM Camp

Transportation

Airport/Ground Transportation

Ground transportation available to and from IAD, DCA, BWI, BWI Amtrak, Union Station, Penn Station, and other major hubs to JAM Lab. [$80]

JAM Camp Transportation

Daily transportation to JAM Camp available from June 25 until July 13. Service is "Pickup" [$238] or "Pickup and Dropoff" [$475} at Sandy Spring Friends School. Pickups are Silver Spring, Bethesda, Rockville, and Glenmont Metros.
NO TRANSPORTATION and/or CLASS July 4 and after final concert on July 13.
NOTE: Pickup, or Pickup and Dropoff transportation to and from Sligo Middle School: FREE

News

The Jazz Academy at Sandy Spring Friends School!

The Jazz Academy of Music is partnering with Sandy Spring Friends School to bring music and jazz programming to the community! JAM Camp and JAM Lab are for 5th - 12th graders! Click the icon below to see pictures of SSFS -- a 140-acre site just 17 miles from the nation's capital!
Click Here to go to Sandy Spring Friends School Summer Camp Program!

Transportation available for JAM Camp: Transportation to JAM Lab is available from BWI, IAD, and DCA:

And, for the 5th and 6th Grade JAM Camp Student!

Extended Care before JAM Camp by SSFS from 9am - 11am: Lunch and Learn by the Jazz Academy from 11am - 1pm:

Links