Jazz Band

Jazz Band Information
Welcome to the Lincoln High School Music Program! Lincoln High School has two jazz ensembles. Our Jazz 2 is our entry level jazz ensemble and is directed by Neil Welch. Jazz 1 is our audition only ensemble.

We perform at several jazz festivals every year, including Bellevue College, Lionel Hampton, Commencement Bay and more as well as a number of performances in the community. Lincoln has a competitive jazz program that places in the top of their division at all festivals. We hope to keep that tradition going into the future.

The expectations for Jazz 2 are the same as those for Jazz 1. Students are expected to be on time and present at every rehearsal, practicing the music outside of class, and are enrolled in a concert ensemble (concert band, wind ensemble, percussion, orchestra or choir). Exceptions are only made for pianists and guitarists.

Jazz 1 has typically only had one seat per chair, however, we will be expanding the slots for the ensemble next year, giving more opportunities for our highly motivated students.

All students wishing to participate in our jazz program should plan to audition. This is a requirement for participation. All students are welcome.

Jazz 1 meets zero hour everyday (before school; 7:45am-8:35am). Jazz 2 meets 3 days a week at the same time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. At this time, only Jazz I is offered for credit.

Audition Scheduling
Audition typically take place in June.

Audition Requirements
Winds

Scales – Please use the attached scaled sheet. Scales must be memorized. If range is an issue, please perform just one octave. All scales should be swung except the chromatic scale.
Jazz Excerpt – It Could Happen to You. We are listening for style and phrasing. Use this recording for reference https://tinyurl.com/cbsolo2025
Solo – F Blues. You will solo over an F Blues for 1 or 2 choruses. You will play with a live rhythm section. We are listening for style, vocabulary
Optional - 1 minute or shorter prepared selection.

Rhythm Section

Same requirements as the wind auditions.
Additionally - Comp/Walk
- Entry Audition
  - There Will Never Be Another You
    - Piano players can optionally play the melody, but we mostly want to hear you comp
  - So Nice
    - Listening for how you would comp over a Latin chart
- Jazz 1 Audition
  - Back to Apple – Fast Swing
    - Intro up to measure “37”
    - Use this recording for reference https://tinyurl.com/bttabasie
  - Black Hole Sun
    - Only the solo section (m. 78-130)
    - Piano/Guitar should comp 78-106 and then solo 106-130.
    - Use this recording for reference https://tinyurl.com/bhslhs
- Drummers should also be prepared to demonstrate
  - The use of brushes, both slow and fast
  - An Afro Cuban 6/8