Band

Spring 2023

Wind and Percussion Auditions for Spring 2023 Concert Band will be conducted by video submission. If you are currently a member of the Concert Band or Symphonic Wind Ensemble, you do not need to audition again.

If you play flute, clarinet, or trumpet, and you are interested in joining the Symphonic Wind Ensemble (including current Concert Band members), Dr. Morse will consider audition videos that include the Symphonic Wind Ensemble audition excerpts.

Completing the audition is a three-step process.

• Please prepare by first filling out the online Audition Registration Form
• Second, download and prepare the Assigned Excerpts and prepare the excerpts for recorded performance. (Practice pads are ok for the snare excerpts if a snare drum is not available).
• Third, please video yourself (with a phone or webcam or some other video recording device) performing the excerpts. The camera device should be placed where you and your instrument are in full view and not with the bell pointed directly at the camera. Videos should also not be edited in any way. Once you complete your video, you should upload it to THIS LINK (you may have to sign in with your Google credentials).

Audition submissions are due by midnight on Sunday, January 15, 2023. Dr. Morse will then review the videos and place students in the appropriate ensemble prior to the start of school.

• The Symphonic Wind Ensemble (MUSC 142W) meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:00-1:15pm.
• The Concert Band (MUSC 142B) meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:30-2:45pm.

Contact
Dr. Matthew Morse, Director of Bands
(916) 278-6468

Choirs

Fall 2023 Audition Info

Sac State offers three Classical choirs:

University Singers (M/W; 12:00-1:15) - 142X-01

Choral Union (Tuesdays, 6:00-8:30) - 142U-01

University Chorale (T/Th, 3:00-4:50) - 142C - 01

The Sacramento State University Chorale, a highly-select group of 32-36 singers (SATB choir), performs challenging a cappella and accompanied choral literature reflecting a variety of styles, genres, and time periods. Membership is open to all students and experienced volunteers by audition, regardless of major or classification. It is expected that members are able to learn notes and rhythms outside of class. Conductor – Dr. Andrew Kreckmann (Contact)

The Sacramento State University Singers, a select group of 20-24 singers (treble voices [SA]), performs difficult a cappella and accompanied choral literature reflecting a variety of styles, genres, and time periods. Membership is open to ALL students by audition, regardless of major or classification. It is expected that members are able to learn most notes and rhythms outside of class.Conductor – Dr. Andrew Kreckmann (Contact)

The Sacramento State CHORAL UNION is a larger ensemble (SATB) open to any student with some prior singing experience, regardless of major or classification. The ensemble performs annual seasonal concerts and sings a variety of a cappella and accompanied choral music. All music is learned in class and is geared towards those individuals developing their vocal skills. Also, this choir is a great way to meet people and friends from other majors! Conductor – Dr. Brett Judson (Contact)

Contact
Dr. Andrew Kreckmann, Director of Choirs
(916) 278-6805

Jazz Ensembles (Instrumental)

Placement in all Sacramento State Jazz Ensembles - big bands and combos - is by audition only. You do not need to be a music major to be considered for these groups.

• Wind instruments (trumpet, trombone, saxophone): Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards or etudes in contrasting styles. Be prepared to accurately perform the melody of the tune and improvise over the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. We provide a sound system for laptop computers, iPods, iPhones, and similar devices. We do not provide accompanying musicians for auditions. You will also sightread a jazz etude or an excerpt from big band literature to evaluate rhythm, time, and note accuracy in a consistent time feel.
• Guitar, Piano, and Vibraphone: Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards or etudes in contrasting styles. Be prepared to accurately perform the melody of the tune, perform a chord melody (solo guitar), “comp” the chord changes, and improvise over the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. We provide a sound system for laptop computers, iPods, iPhones, and similar devices. We do not provide accompanying musicians for auditions. You will also sightread a jazz etude or an excerpt from big band literature to evaluate rhythm, time, and note accuracy in a consistent time feel. A guitar amp and vibraphone are provided.
• Bass: Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards or etudes in contrasting styles. Be prepared to accurately perform the melody of the tune, provide a bass line (comp), and improvise to the chord changes accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. We provide a sound system for laptop computers, iPods, iPhones, and similar devices. We do not provide accompanying musicians for auditions. You will also sightread a jazz etude or an excerpt from big band literature to evaluate rhythm, time, and note accuracy in a consistent time feel. A bass amp is provided.
• Drum set: Prepare two medium-tempo or up-tempo jazz standards or etudes in contrasting styles accompanied by live musicians or accompaniment tracks provided by you. We provide a sound system for laptop computers, iPods, iPhones, and similar devices. We do not provide accompanying musicians for auditions. You will also be asked to demonstrate proficiency in a variety of jazz-related styles and meters and to sightread an excerpt from a big band chart to demonstrate your ability to play a consistent groove in the style, play set-up figures, and notated ensemble cues. A drum kit is provided, but candidates should provide their own cymbals and sticks.

The Jazz Ensembles (MUSC 143J) meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 – 2:45 pm (section 1) and from 3:00 – 4:20 pm (section 2).

Contact
Dr. Steve Roach, Director of Jazz Studies
(916) 278-7987

Orchestra

Winds/Brass and Percussion - auditions for orchestra, wind ensemble, and concert band are held concurrently. Please see the Band section of this page for more information

Strings - New string players should contact Ryan Murray to set up an audition time. Please prepare both a major and minor scale (preferably 3 octaves) and a short solo piece. For returning string players, no entrance audition is required and seating auditions will take place during class time a few weeks into the semester.

The Symphony Orchestra meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-6:00pm.

Contact
Ryan Murray, Director
(916) 278-7987

Vocal Jazz

Auditions for Vocal Jazz Ensembles typically consist of the following:

• Performance of a prepared song, preferably a jazz standard. Examples: "Summertime," "Autumn Leaves," "Route 66," and "My Funny Valentine", etc. You can also audition with a pop song. Please have the sheet music and/or lead sheet available at your audition. If you have questions about this requirement, feel free to email Professor Williams and she will help guide you. Improvisation is not required in your audition.
• Ear training exercises. You will hear a melodic line of three or four pitches on the piano, and you will be asked to sing them back. You will hear a chord with 3-4 notes and in no particular order will be asked to sing each individual note within that chord. You'll be given a starting pitch and asked to sing notes that are certain intervals away (up a 5th, down a minor 3rd, etc.).
• Range testing. You'll be asked to sing major and/or minor triads from starting pitches, and your comfortable and usable voice range will be determined.
• Quick sight-reading and part learning. You will be given a short, one-page section of a vocal jazz ensemble tune, and you'll be asked to sight-read your part along with a recording of the song. The accompanist will work with you on the part briefly and give you another chance to read the line with the recording. Be prepared to stay focused, relaxed, and to demonstrate your flexibility and quick-learning skills, while watching your intonation and blend as well.

Contact
Professor Gaw Vang, Director
(916) 842-0346