Person playing a saxophone on stage

School of Music

Jazz Placement Auditions

Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Band II, Lab Jazz Band III, and Small Groups.

Welcome from Jazz Director

Rob-2.jpg

Welcome to the UM Jazz Program!  We are excited to have you be a part of the all the wonderful experiences provided by one of the most vibrant jazz programs in the Northwest. The UM Jazz Program has 3 Big Bands along with 5-6 Small Groups so there is a place for you no matter what level or experience. Give it a Try!

Some of the 2025-26 opportunities include the UM/Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival, guest artists, Holiday Swing, the UM Jazz Artist Series, Small Group Performances, Recordings and a potential summer trip to EUROPE! This along with many more exciting concerts and experiences throughout the year.

Please sign up for Jazz Placement outside Room 111 BEFORE AUGUST 22. If you need a hard copy of the placement materials, please go online to print or you can contact me at Robert.tapper@umontana.edu

There is a REQUIRED meeting for ALL Jazz Participants on MONDAY, AUGUST 25TH @1:00pm in MB Room 1 to answer questions and discuss the year! PLEASE SIGN UP FOR YOUR SMALL GROUPS & BIG BANDS OUTSIDE OF ROOM 111 BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 22.

If you have any questions about auditions, the program or the School of Music, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Here we go!

 
Looking forward,
Tapper Signature
Rob Tapper
Director of Jazz Studies
robert.tapper@umontana.edu

Audition Times

Sign-up for Jazz Placement outside MUS 111 before August 22th, 2025.听

If you can not make these times or have questions, please see Rob Tapper as soon as possible.

Informational Meeting

Monday, August 25: 1:00pm -听MANDATORY FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS - Music Building, Room 001

Big Bands

Tuesday, August 26: 1:00pm - Trombone Placement

Tuesday, August 26: 6:15pm - Saxophone Placement

Wednesday, August 27: 1:00pm - Trumpet Placement

Wednesday, August 27: 6:15pm - Rhythm Section I (Drum Set/Vibes) Placement

Thursday, August 28: 1:00pm - Rhythm Section II (Bass/Piano/Guitar) Placement

Small Groups

Friday, August 29: 1:00pm - All NEW听musicians who did not do a Big Band Placement

Audition Excerpts

Horns (saxophone, trumpet, trombone) should prepare all 'like' instrument parts.听(Example: Tenor should prepare both tenor parts; trombones should prepare all parts; etc...)

Try to find recordings of this music online!

Jazz Big Bands

Saxophones: (Try as many different parts as possible)

  • In a Mellow Tone - 39-73 (Quarter note = 150)
  • Au Privave (head) - Play in comfortable octave (1x)
  • Improvisation - B♭ Blues (concert)
  • *If needed: Solo/Transcription - Your choice no more than 2 minutes

Trombones: (Try as many different parts as possible)

  • In a Mellow Tone - 88-111 (Quarter note = 150)
  • Au Privave (head) - Play in comfortable octave (1x)
  • Improvisation - Bb Blues (concert)
  • *If needed: Solo/Transcription - Your choice no more than 2 minutes

Trumpets: (Try as many different parts as possible)

  • In a Mellow Tone - 88-116 (Quarter note = 150)
  • Au Privave (head) - Play in comfortable octave (1x)
  • Improvisation - Bb Blues (concert)
  • *If needed: Solo/Transcription - Your choice no more than 2 minutes

Bass/Piano/Guitar/Vibes:

  • Blues in Abscessed Tooth - Begin - 39 (Quarter note = 170)
  • Au Privave (head) - Play in comfortable octave (1x)
  • Improvisation - Bb Blues (concert)
  • *If needed: Solo/Transcription - Your choice no more than 2 minutes

Drum Set: (Should also prepare Vibes)

I'm looking forward to hearing all of you!

Jazz Small Groups

Friday, August 29th | 1:00pm | Room 1

* Auditions for new members only.听 Returning members and those auditioning for big bands DO NOT audition.

** Returning members don't need to audition; sign-up on Rob's door (Room 111).

Please be ready to play ONE of the following tunes AND BLUES HEAD (listed below) from memory.

  • A Train
  • Blue Bossa
  • Recordame
  • There Will Never Be Another You

*There will be a maximum of 5-6 Small Groups coached by faculty and Teaching Assistants.

EVERYONE SIGN-UP Outside Room 111!听

If you have any questions about jazz small groups, please see Rob Tapper in Room 111 or email at robert.tapper@umontana.edu