GJCW Placement Auditions
2025 In-Person Audition Date:
Saturday, May 17, 1-4 pm @ Chapin Jazz Studio.
Click Here to Sign Up for In-Person or Online Audition
Note: All in-person, Zoom, and video auditions must be completed by May 17th.
Our friendly placement auditions are required for the following workshop participants:
- Students who are new to the program
- Returning students who want to advance a level above their previous year’s workshop level.
- Note: Returning students who are enrolling in the same combo level as previous years do not need to do an audition.
Our workshop placement auditions are not competitive. They are designed to help students understand the workshop and to help the directors place students in a combo with other students at or near their playing ability, all of which enhances the learning experience for all workshop participants.
Audition Format Options:
- In-Person
- Online via Zoom
- Video Submission (see directions below)
Directions:
- Decide which combo level you feel matches your current playing and improvising ability. Learn about Combo Levels & Music
- Practice playing and improvising over the audition music listed for your combo level. | Beginner Level Audition Music | Intermediate Level Audition Music | Advanced Level Audition Music |
- Sign up for an In-Person or Online audition using this online form or submit your audition via video
- Read the Tips section below to help you prepare.
Tips on how to prepare for an audition
Video Auditions Directions:
- Practice the audition music for your desired workshop level.
- Set up your phone/video camera so it captures you playing (we want to see you play your instrument)
- Play the backing track for your audition level provided on this web site while you play the melody and improvise.
- Save and name your video with your name and the combo level you’re shooting for.
- Email or share your video to this email address: bill@billchapinjazz.com or to this cell #: 847-254-8750. Please include your name in the message.
- Video auditions are due by May 17th.
Horn players
Prepare to
play the tune for the level of combo you feel will help you grow this summer. Play through the piece, count out measures that are hard for you, and work to play with a swing feel. Start with the slower backing track while you are learning and work towards the faster tempo for your audition. Use the same process to practice improvising over the chord changes of your selected tune.
Piano, vibes, and guitar
Prepare to play the chords on the tune for the level of combo you feel will help you grow this summer. If you know how to play voicings, practice those. You could play the chord on beat one of each measure, or if you’re familiar with typical “comping” rhythms, show us that. Next, work on improvising over the chord changes. Use the slower backing track to start and work towards the faster tempo for the audition.
Bass players
Be ready to play a bass line on the tune for the level of combo you feel will help you grow this summer. Tip: bass players usually play the chord root on beat one, and then play scale tones or chord tunes to the next chord’s root. You may also solo over the changes for the audition.
Drummers
Be ready to play a swing beat on the tune for the level of combo you feel will help you grow this summer. Keep it simple. Jazz combos need to hear a steady beat, and, generally, complicated playing confuses the band about where the beat is. You may also solo over the changes for the audition. |
Vocalists
You are free to use the audition tunes or to audition with any song of your choice. We encourage vocalists to do an in-person audition.
All Musicians
Reminder: these auditions are not meant to discourage anyone from participating. If you are at all unsure, feel free to sign up for an in-person or Zoom audition. We will be glad to help you through the experience.
