Students must be 14 years old by September 4, 2026.
All Front Line students must audition each year. The Front Line Jazz Band is an audition-only experience for more mature instrumental musicians. We will meet on Thursdays at Belfry from 3:00-4:00. Due to the requirements of the music we will be learning in a limited amount of time, students need to have a strong sense of rhythm, a capable range and technique, and a commitment to practice outside of our rehearsal time.
Front Line includes serious instrumentalists with strong music skills. We will:
- Participate and performs in all concerts
- Participate in Wisconsin School Music Association Festivals
- Play special performances in the community
- Work with jazz clinicians
- Perform challenging, high-quality jazz band literature
Auditions will be: Wednesday, May 20: 8:30-3:30
AUDITIONS will last about 10 minutes.
Below is the link to the required audition music for all instruments. Students may choose from one of two etudes:
Swing: Do Nothing Til You Hear From Me or Latin: Song for My Father
Links to the music can be found on the website under Instrumental - Jazz Band
You may play the etudes unaccompanied, but my preference is to have you play with the tracks at the given tempo.
Use the full tracks to learn your part, but for auditions, use the appropriate accompaniment tracks.
Rhythm Section (Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums): You will play with the accompaniment with your part muted
With the exception of Drum Set, all students will also be asked to play the following:
Concert Bb Blues scale (one octave), MEMORIZED
Chromatic Scale - One Octave
*Drum Set will need to demonstrate at least 16 bars with at least one fill of: Basic Rock Beat, Swing Beat, and a Latin Beat
Results will be announced on Friday, May 22. Sign up for a time below: