CHUMS Jazz Links:

About CHUMS Jazz:

Cardinal Heights Jazz Bands are open to all Cardinal Heights students enrolled in band.  Orchestra & Choir students may also participate  in the rhythm section.  

All students must audition for placement into of the the two jazz bands; CHUMS Jazz I and CHUMS Jazz II.  

CHUMS Jazz I:
Rehearsals Monday & Thursday, 7am

CHUMS Jazz II:
Winds - Tuesdays, 7am
Rhythm - Wednesdays, 7am
Full Band - Friday, 7am

CHUMS Jazz Contacts:

CHUMS Jazz I:
Ian Melrose
ipmelro@sunprairieschools.org
608-318-8134

CHUMS Jazz II:
Joe Mesner
jrmesne@sunprairieschools.org
608-318-8137

CHUMS Jazz Auditions:

Cardinal Heights Jazz Auditions for 2019 - 2020 

Cardinal Heights offers two jazz ensembles open to any band student, as well as choir or orchestra students that want to play in the rhythm sections.  Auditions are simply for placement, all students are accepted.

AUDITION DATES:
Monday, Sept. 23 – Saxophones, Trumpets
Tuesday, Sept. 24  – Trombones, Rhythm Section
Wednesday, Sept. 25 – any remaining auditions
To audition - see requirements below & sign up for a time in the band room.

Audition Materials:
  • MP3 recording of Audition Piece, "Blues by Five"   
    The melody is played 2 times, and then you can practice improvising with a rhythm section after that.
 Audition Requirements:

Prepare the following Questions:
  • Who was Red Garland?  What instrument did he play?  
  • What was the name of the record album “Blues by Five” was recorded on?
  • Extra Credit:  Who else played on that recording?
    ​
Prepare the “Blues by Five” (see YouTube clip to the left!)
1. Learn the melody on the back side of this sheet - be sure to use correct one!
2. Optional - can also work on Bb Blues improvisation

Piano, Bass, Guitar - additional requirements
  • Piano & Guitar - comp on “Blues by Five” chord changes (see rhythm section sheet)
  • Bass - perform included bass line
  • Optional – transcribe a chorus from the recording

Drums - additional requirements
Play along with recording 3 - 4 times:
1. First Time -  Play quarter notes on ride cymbal
2. Second Time - Play traditional swing pattern on ride cymbal
3. Third Time - Play melody rhythm on snare drum (optional - with hi-hat, bass drum, & ride)
4. Fourth Time - Play traditional swing pattern and add fills in appropriate places
5. Optional Fifth Time - transcribe a chorus from the recording