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NYJO Auditions and Selection 2011

From January 2012, the NYJO 1 performing band will be auditioned and formally selected. Auditions and selection have been devised to reflect the realities of professional jazz performance and to allow countrywide opportunities to the best players to join NYJO. However, if you just want a blow with the band (perhaps to get ready for next years auditions, or to enhance your reading) you are still welcome to attend our regular workshop rehearsals. If this applies to you, please read our rehearsals FAQ.

Auditioning consists of the following 2 stage process:

  • Sending an audition video to: NYJO, 2nd Floor, 5 Vigo St, London, W1S 5HD
  • If selected, attending an audition in front of an audition panel

These two stages are open to all musicians aged 24 and younger who play instruments in the NYJO line-up. However NYJO recognises that this may not be appropriate for more experienced musicians (from approx. 20 to 24 years old). For these players a selection process can alternatively apply – see below.

Both the audition and selection processes will take place from November 2011 to form a new band from January 2012. A new round of auditions and selection will then take place each year at the same time.

HOW TO AUDITION:

A. The audition video: please provide a video of you playing the following two items:

  • Solo performance of a transcription of a jazz solo of your choice, with audible metronome throughout.
  • Performance of a jazz standard of your choice with a play-along accompaniment, piano or rhythm section, including head and solo. Bassists and drummers should play in a rhythm section for this element.
  • Lead trumpet players should additionally play the following lead parts unaccompanied, with audible metronome:
  1. Nightingale Sang - Fig I to bar 215, Crotchet=184
  2. Alexander The Great - Fig H to bar 172 then bars 233-247, Crotchet=210
  3. London’s Burning - Bars 56-99, Crotchet=250 (or minim=125)
  4. I Loves You Porgy - Bars 1-5, Crotchet=80

Both transcription and jazz standard should be of a length and level that fully reflects your standard as a player, but it is anticipated that neither will be longer than 4 minutes. Make sure the backing track is well balanced and audible on your video, and that you are visible! Videos must be in standard DVD format or common formats playable on PC or Macintosh computers, and sound should be clear and free from distortion.

Send your video on a data disc to the NYJO Office with this application form to arrive by FRIDAY 18th November 2011.

B. The live audition: two audition dates are available. Please specify on your application form in the “other information” section which venue you prefer:

  • Saturday 3rd December 2011, 10am-4pm, Leeds College of Music
  • Saturday 7th January 2012, 10am-4pm. Cockpit Theatre, London

All video applications will be acknowledged, and successful players will be invited to the live audition. We will do our best to stick to your choice of venue, but please keep both dates free. More information on live audition requirements will be provided to successful applicants, but the audition will consist of various elements including improvisation, sight-reading and an interview.

SELECTION DETAILS:

We recognise that auditioning is not always part of standard practice in professional jazz and big band performance. Often new members are recruited to bands on their performance in rehearsals and as deputies on gigs. Therefore, for more experienced players we will continue to allow selection through the following route:

  • regular attendance of our weekly workshop rehearsals
  • depping in NYJO 1 concerts, normally our monthly Sunday afternoon concert
  • recommendation by educational institution or local YJO
  • approval by NYJO selection panel members

This process will take place at Saturday rehearsals from September to December 2011. Re-selection will then occur each year during the same period. To take part in the selection process for 2011, please return this application form, or, if you are already a regular rehearsal attendee, email sean@nyjo.co.uk to formally request to be considered for the band in 2012.

For any further information please call 020 7497 1733 or email sean@nyjo.co.uk

GOOD LUCK – WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!