 Texas A&M Jazz Ensemble
The Jazz Ensembles are open to all band students with small combo or big band jazz playing experience. Depending on course selection, the jazz ensembles rehearse two or three times per week during the academic day and students receive one elective credit hour for participation.
Instrumentation and Performance
Both bands use standard 17 member, large jazz ensemble instrumentation consisting of 13 winds and 4 rhythm section players. Each ensemble performs one formal concert each semester and seeks other professional playing and recording opportunities on campus and in the community. Auditioning
Membership in the Jazz Ensembles is based on a live audition performed for the director.
Auditions are by appointment and take place in the E.V. Adams Band Building. All students must perform a successful audition to be considered for preliminary or final placement in one of the ensembles and as a pre-requisite for class registration. Freshman should prepare and schedule their audition while they are on campus for their New Student Conference. Freshmen who are not prepared to audition during their conference may still do so at a later time but they must leave the ensemble time open when registering for classes during the conference. The ensemble may be added to the students schedule after auditions are concluded and final placement is determined. • Wind players, piano and guitar auditions should prepare to demonstrate scale proficiency and two contrasting standard jazz melody or solo pieces that best demonstrate their performance and improvisational abilities. Play along material is recommended for lead player auditions. • Bass Players should prepare to demonstrate scale proficiency, play a melody and walk a bass line to a medium or up-tempo jazz standard. The jazz ensembles utilize both electric and up-right bass. • Percussionist should be prepared to demonstrate specific drumming abilities for playing time and improvising in various styles of jazz music including swing, latin and funk genres Director
Mr. Christopher Hollar is the Director of Jazz Ensembles at Texas A&M. His jazz band office hours are 8-12 Monday through Friday at the E.V Adams Band Hall. Christopher Hollar
Director of Jazz Ensembles
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