OAKLAND JAZZ CHOIR AUDITION-need sop, alto & tenor

OAKLAND JAZZ CHOIR AUDITION

Looking for an ALTO, SOPRANO and TENOR

 
Location:            First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison, Oakland
Corner of Harrison St. and 27th St.  (Parking in the rear)



About the Oakland Jazz Choir

The Oakland Jazz Choir is a highly committed, select performing group of 14 singers led by Artistic Director Sandra Peter. OJC sings traditional and contemporary jazz with original arrangements. We have performed at Yoshis, SF Jazz Festival, Great American Music Hall, Bach Dynamite and Dancing Society, San Jose Jazz Festival, and the IAJE Convention in Long Beach.
If you are interested
 • Call or email in advance
  (510) 652-8440
  auditions@oaklandjazzchoir.com
 • Check out our website: www.oaklandjazzchoir.com

 
 
Auditioning singers
Part I: Individuals must pass an initial interview w/ the Director before being provided audition material.  Director will listen for pitch, tone, range, ability to hear and sing back melodic lines and rhythms, and will also review choir needs and expectations.
Part II: If you pass Part I you will be provided with sheet music and a CD for learning your part to an excerpt of one of our tunes, and scheduled a time to return in 1-2wks.  Also prepare a jazz solo piece to perform; (we would like you to try a corresponding scat over the changes).  Please bring sheet music in your proper key.
 
What we are looking for:
Excellent pitch, tone/intonation, rhythm
Strong feel for syncopation
Solid ability to hold harmony part against 3-5 other parts without help from your section
Ability to blend vocally with others (singing and listening at the same time)
Vocal ensemble experience
Sight-reading/music-reading is helpful.
Team-focused attitude and a love for jazz
Commit to weekly rehearsals (7:00 -10 pm) on Wednesday nights, private practice on your own, occasional sectional or special rehearsals, make time for gigs.


OJC Basic Requirements

 
STRONG Part Singing – Individuals must have the ability to hold their part against other parts without the buffer or assistance of fellow section members.  Jazz chords incorporate tight, dissonant harmonies coupled w/ complex rhythms, which must be retained as though you were singing in a quartet - you won’t always be standing next to your part, and you are individually mic’d – excellent Pitch, Tone, Rhythm and Blend are paramount.

 
1 Tune a Week – during the first few months, expect to be tested on 4 tunes a month on average, with music in hand (you may be tested every other week or so depending on rehearsal requirements).  This does NOT mean it needs to be memorized this quickly, just know the music (notes, dynamics, cutoffs, etc).

 
Independent Learning – members are responsible to notate their music (always have a pencil) at rehearsals, and to review and memorize between rehearsals.  If you miss a rehearsal, it is your responsibility to contact a fellow section member or the section leader to learn what you missed.

 
Recorder – this is especially helpful for those who do not read and have no keyboard to work with at home.  You will want this for your own part, and to hear how your part fits into the chords/progressions.

 
Accept Critiquing – choral sound is only as good as its individual contributions.  Rehearsals are spent not only fine-tuning the ensemble, but narrowing in on the fundamental make-up of that group sound – individual technique and skill.  Be prepared to learn!

 
Bring a Music stand and Pencil to rehearsals.

 
Dues – $30 - $50/month sliding scale

 
Members must read and adhere to the Membership Agreement regarding Preparedness and Attendance (see full Agreement for complete description of member expectations).  Note* Although absences are unavoidable at times, members are limited to 2 ‘excused’ absences per quarter (no unexcused absences). Beyond that, performing at gigs and continued participation is at the discretion of the Director.

 
Play well with others  :o)  - OJC is a Fun, Dynamic, Mature group of folks who love to get together and blend, while still maintaining the individual’s unique contributions to the group!  Blending is important to our sound as well as our interaction with one another and our audience.  We love a good solo, but being a ‘jazz choir’ is our primary goal, and a soloist’s greatest support.