JAZZ
AUDITIONS

The Northwood Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble focused on jazz performance, improvisation, listening, and musicianship. This group will meet from 3:20-4:30pm on the rehearsal dates listed at the bottom of this page.

Jazz Ensemble

Audition Registration & Video Submission: Due October 1, 2026 by 8:00 PM
Participation Fee: $30
Audition Results: Released October 8th

Auditions are modeled after the NCMEA Region & All-State Jazz audition process to help prepare students for future auditions.

For the Northwood Jazz Ensemble audition, students will perform at the Region tempo of 140 BPM.

High School Winds/Piano/Guitar/Bass/Vibes

Play the Head for Anthropology – Page 29 of Real Book 6th Edition (32 measures).
Play the etude for the appropriate instrument on the NCMEA jazz website (32 measures).
Improvise for 1 chorus (32 measures).

*When playing the head, a student should only embellish as a LEAD PLAYER in a BIG BAND would. Basic turns, scoops, vibrato, but no improvising or changing of rhythm or harmony.*

High School Drums

Play the drum part excerpt for Anthropology with the background track (slower tempo for Region, faster for State), which includes the bossa groove (pages 1-2).
Perform the NC Jazz Section Drum Grooves #2 - #5 (pages 3-4).

Jazz Ensemble Audition Materials

Audition Registration & Submission