The Durham Jazz Program is open to students from grades 6-12 and if successful will be placed in a big band and/or combo according to, first their skill level and second their age.  

Students in the COMBO program with Durham Jazz  will develop their technical and musical skills, developing an increased understanding of jazz theory, and improvisation techniques, independence in leading other players, teamwork and communication skills. 

Students in the BAND program with Durham Jazz  will develop their technical and musical skills, including playing increasingly complex rhythmic figures, extending their range, developing a more focused tone, developing an understanding of jazz theory, and ensemble playing.

Wondering which level suits you best??

Junior Program: Generally in their 2-3rd year of playing. Students should be able to: produce a good tone, 1-2 octave range, familiarity with rhythms and note reading, general music knowledge (terms, signs & symbols).

Intermediate Program: Generally in their 3-4th year of playing. In addition to the junior program items students should: know multiple scales, be comfortable with basic improv skills, be able to handle more complex note and rhythm combinations.

Senior Program: Generally in their 4-6th year of playing. In addition to the junior & intermediate program items students should: be working towards all 12 major scales, chromatic scale, be comfortable with more advanced improv skills, be able to handle more complex note and rhythm combinations.

This year we will be hosting VIRTUAL AUDITIONS. Students will create a video of all the audition requirements and submit a link to info@durhamjazz.ca BEFORE end of day on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Audition Requirements

1. 1. Complete Audition Form & Attach Video Audition
   2. What to include in your video
      1. SCALE: Prepare a scale of your choice to show us your highest and lowest notes (multi-octave if possible)
      2. MELODY OF NIGHT TRAIN: Record yourself playing the melody for Night Train 
      3. IMPROVIZE ON NIGHT TRAIN: Record yourself doing at least 1 chorus (1 time through the form) of improv for this song. 
      4. CHOICE PIECE: choose an additional song that contrasts Night Train to show us something different (NOTE: If you are auditioning for both a combo and a big band, only 1 choice piece is required HOWEVER it should include improv it you are hoping to be in a combo, Choose something contrasting)
      5. DRUMMERS:
         • Record Night Train Swing Style and include a rhythmic solo
         • Demonstrate a rock or funk groove at a medium tempo (include a fill) (16 bars)
         • Demonstrate a bossa nova time feel. Optional for Juniors (16 bars)
         • Demonstrate any short groove, solo, snare rudiment or other skill on the drum set that shows off your personal musical strengths.

Audition Music Links: 

AUDITION PIECE: (Find your part: C (Piano, Guitar, Drums, Vocal), Bb (Tenor Sax, Trumpet), Eb (Alto & Bari Sax) Bass Clef (Trombone, Bass)

LINKS

Bass Clef Night Train

Bb Night Train

C Night Train

Eb Night Train

BACKING TRACK FOR AUDITION PIECE LINK

F.A.Q.

1. What are you looking for in auditions? Do I have to play perfectly?                                                                                                                            – Range, Tone, Technical Ability, Musicality & Positive Attitude (Willing to learn)                                                                                                  – We aren’t looking for perfection, just a willingness to learn
2. How do I make a video and then submit it?                                                                                                                                                                – Upload your audition video to YouTube as an unlisted video. How to upload an unlisted video in YouTube. After uploading, a private link will be created. The video is not public, and only those with the link can view the video.
3. Can I be in more than 1 ensemble?                                                                                                                                                                              – Yes, although generally all the bands rehearse in the same block and all the combos are in the same block which makes it tough to be in more than 1 of the same type of ensemble.
4. How will I know Durham Jazz has received my audition?                                                                                                                                          – You will receive an email confirmation
5.  Are there rules about the videos? – Yes – Please submit all audition requirements as a single video. You may be able to do the whole audition in one continuous video; you are also permitted to record each part of the audition separately and then combine the separate parts into a single video. Please contact us if you need assistance with this process. Note: each part of the audition should be a continuous ‘take’ – do not make edits in the middle of a piece. Professional recordings are not required. Most smart phones will provide an adequate video. Please test your lighting and sound. Make sure that:
   • The video includes a clear picture of your face, your hands, and the instrument
     • Tip: avoid filming with a window behind you. This makes it hard to see your face clearly.
   • The sound is clear, without distortion.
     • Tip: experiment to find the best room and ideal distance from the camera to get the clearest, warmest tone possible.
6. When will we find out the results?                                                                                                                                                                                 – Either October 3rd or 4th. An email will be sent regardless of the results. To confirm your spot you must respond.
7. When will the first meeting be?                                                                                                                                                                                   – We will have a Parent/Member meeting on Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 at 7pm. Our first rehearsal will be October 8th, 2026.

Best of Luck!