The Durham Jazz Band Program (Junior, Intermediate, Senior) is open to students from grades 6-12 and if successful will be placed in a band according to, first their skill level and second their age.  Occasionally younger/older students may be accepted.  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.

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, September 26, 2025.

Audition Requirements

1. 1. Complete Audition Form & Attach Video Audition
      1. 1. https://forms.gle/qKZyUnrWkLM4awUM7
   2. What to include in your video
      1. Prepare a scale of your choice (multi-octave if possible)
      2. Range: Show us your range (lowest to highest note)
      3. Record yourself playing either Moten Swing (Junior) or Buckjump (Intermediate/Senior) & a piece of your choice (your opportunity to show us something different from the audition piece, consider that the difficulty will help us determine which band you best fit in)
      4. DRUMMERS:
         1. Record either Moten Swing or Buckjump
         2. Demonstrate a swing time feel at a medium tempo (16 bars) 
         3. Demonstrate a rock or funk groove at a medium tempo (include a fill) (16 bars)
         4. Demonstrate a bossa nova time feel. Optional for Juniors (16 bars)
         5. Demonstrate any short groove, solo, snare rudiment or other skill on the drum set that shows off your personal musical strengths.

Audition Music Links: 

Junior

AUDITION PIECE: (Find the part you’d like to play for the audition and print)  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fmx9uzS_z8nGOIKwVRWbgaUMkY6zQEjC/view?usp=sharing

AUDIO FOR AUDITION PIECE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hkCx0uaaY4&list=RD4hkCx0uaaY4&start_radio=1

Intermediate & Senior

AUDITION PIECE (Find the part you’d like to play for the audition and print) https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ENLWfGsfJ2ZjXkx-Nqu2g8Xz4DFQ0oer?usp=sharing

AUDIO FOR AUDITION PIECE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyFzGchg93o&list=RDvyFzGchg93o&start_radio=1

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. How will I know Durham Jazz has received my audition?                                                                                                                                          – You will receive an email confirmation
4.  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.
5. When will we find out the results?                                                                                                                                                                                 – Either September 27 or 28th. An email will be sent regardless of the results. To confirm your spot you must respond.
6. When will the first meeting be?                                                                                                                                                                                   – We will have a Parent/Member meeting on September 30th, 2025 at 7pm. Our first rehearsal will be October 2nd, 2025.

Best of Luck!