INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF 11/28/18.
Please be sure to read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below, as most if not all of your questions can be answered there.
Instrumentalists interested in playing in the vocal jazz ensemble rhythm sections should indicate that on their instrumental audition forms and should also contact Professor Barnes at Jennifer.Barnes@unt.edu to express your interest.
Spring 2019 vocal jazz ensemble auditions will be held on Monday, January 14 from 5 – 8 p.m. in Room 263 (Lab East), and if all of those times are full, will continue on Tuesday, January 15 from 1 - 3 p.m. (see below for link to online sign-up).
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you sang in Avenue C, Third Street, or West End during the Fall 2018 semester, you may continue in the ensemble in which you sang during the Fall semester. However, if you sang in Third Street or West End and you wish to be considered for “upward mobility” to a different ensemble you may also choose to audition. All ensembles besides Jazz Singers are open to the possibility of change in their size or composition. In order to “reclaim” your place in your ensemble, you MUST let your director know of your intent to sing in the ensemble again.
FAQ:
When and where can I sign up?
Sign up NOW online for your preferred audition time and date at:
https://tinyurl.com/Spring19VJAuditions
I'm not a Jazz Studies major, or even a music major - can I still audition for one of the vocal jazz ensembles?
Auditions for all vocal jazz ensembles are open to any currently enrolled UNT student regardless of major.
What will I have to do in my solo audition?
You will:
• Sing one song (jazz preferred). You will not likely get through more than one chorus (once through the form), unless you plan to improvise, so please plan to show us your very best singing and artistry right away!
• Sight-read a brief excerpt of a solo musical line
• Sing a brief tonal memory test (no preparation required)
• Get vocalized throughout your vocal range (thus, it’s a good idea to be vocally warm! It's no good to us for you to tell us that you "normally" have a strong high D or low C if we can't actually hear that during your audition!)
Do I need to bring an accompanist?
You may bring an accompanist, accompany yourself (there will be a piano), bring pre-recorded tracks to sing along with, or you may bring lead sheets (in your key please) and someone will play for you.
How early should I get there before my scheduled audition time, and is there anything else I should bring with me?
Please plan to arrive at least FIFTEEN minutes before your audition time to give you time to fill out your audition form, and in case we’re running early. The only other thing to make sure you bring is your lead sheets or iPod and a copy of your class schedule so you can indicate your availability for the various ensembles on your audition form.
When do the vocal jazz ensembles rehearse?
Jazz Singers – M 12 – 12:50 p.m., T/Th from 12:30 – 1:50 p.m., F 1 – 1:50 p.m.
Avenue C - M/W/F from 12:00 to 12:50 p.m.
Third Street – M from 5 – 5:50 p.m. , Tu/Th from 2:00 to 2:50 p.m.
West End – T/Th from 7:00 – 7:50 p.m., Fr from 2 to 2:50 p.m.
What if I can only fit 2 of the groups' rehearsal times into my schedule, but not the other one?
You must be available for ALL rehearsal times of the ensemble in which you are placed. You will have the opportunity to let us know that on your audition form, so don't worry about it - just fill out the form and if you are selected to be in an ensemble, we will place you with your schedule constraints in mind.
When will I find out if I made a group, and how do I get registered?
Results will be posted on this page and we will work with you and Christopher Walker (administrative assistant for Jazz Studies) to make sure you are registered a.s.a.p. In the meantime, if you are auditioning and planning to sing a group, you must register (ask your advisor) for the “holding section” for vocal jazz ensembles, which guarantees that you will have paid for the ensemble and we will have then move you to the proper section, or if you don’t make an ensemble this time, you will drop the class.
Do I have to be registered for this class in order to sing in an ensemble? Can't I just audit the class for no credit?
Sorry, but no auditing is allowed. Anyone who is placed in an ensemble MUST be registered for the class. No exceptions under ANY circumstances.
When do the ensembles start rehearsing?
Avenue C will begin rehearsing on Wednesday, January 16. Third Street and West End will begin rehearsing on Thursday, January 17.
Are there any required dates during the spring semester that I can find out about in advance?
Not at this time, but those dates will be added before auditions, so check back prior to audition dates and you’ll be able to see them.