|
AUDITION FOR OUBB |
|
Do you think you
could be a part of the flagship jazz ensemble of Oxford
University? We are currently recruiting new players for the
academic year 2010-11, and we'd love to hear from you.
Visit our stall at
the University Freshers' Fair in October, or email us on oubb@oums.org
for more information. |
|
|
Joining |
|
When are auditions?
OUBB auditions candidates once annually on the weekend preceding
the start of Oxford’s Michaelmas (October) term. If you are
interested in auditioning, sign-up at Freshers’ Fair or contact
us by email.
Who is eligible to audition?
OUBB auditions musicians who are members or alumni of the
University (students or staff). A maximum of one-fifth of the
band may be made up of non-University personnel though, so you
can still audition if you’re not affiliated with Oxford. You
must play any of the following as your principal instrument:
alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, upright and/or electric bass,
guitar, piano, drums, or auxiliary percussion (vibraphone,
congas, timbales, shakers, guiro etc). All musicians are
expected to have their own instruments, mutes, stands and amps
(except for baritone saxophone).
What about vocalists?
OUBB generally has one male and one female vocalist, both of
whom are selected at the same time and in the same manner as
instrumentalists.
What standard is required?
Generally, brass and woodwind
players will need to be around Grade 8 ABSRM, Trinity-Guildhall
or equivalent reading standard. Pianists, bassists and
guitarists need to be able to read jazz chord changes. Vocalists
should have at least some experience singing with live bands.
You do not have to be able to improvise, but it helps if you
can.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held every Wednesday of Oxford term at 7-10pm
in the Music Faculty on St Aldates. Rehearsals are
compulsory.
If I miss the annual auditions, can I
still join the band?
We are always open to approaches from musicians at other
times. That said, the membership of the band for the
duration of that academic year is generally decided
following the annual auditions. Occasionally, casual
vacancies arise in the band at which time, people who
auditioned previously may be contacted to re-audition for a
place. In short, if you miss the annual auditions feel free
to get in touch with your details – we will keep them on
file and may still call you up.
What happens at the auditions?
The OUBB Musical Director and a couple of other band members
will be present, as well as a pianist to accompany you. You
play something short that you have pre-prepared, then we’ll
ask you to read some music and if you’re able, to briefly
improvise on a jazz standard. If you’re a vocalist you’ll
probably also be asked to do a couple of ear-training
exercises. It’s actually a very relaxed and short process
and not nearly as intimidating as it might sound! Basically
we just want to meet you and hear you. |
|
