Ensemble Auditions

Enrollment

Auditionees must enroll in their desired ensemble(s) before auditions are held to guarantee availability and placement. Visit Admissions & Records to complete enrollment in ensembles.

Auditioned ensemble class codes and meeting times for Fall 2023:

• MUS 15 - Jazz Ensemble 
  • Mon - 6:00-8:50pm
• MUS 16/41 - Orchestra & Instrumental Chamber Ensemble

  • Wed - 6:00-8:50pm

• MUS 17A/11 - Jazz Combos
  
  • Tues/Thurs - 2:30-3:45pm
• MUS 45 - Chamber Choir
  • Tues/Thur - 4:00-6:05pm
  • Fri - Sectionals TBD 
• MUS 46 - Vocal East Jazz Ensemble
  • Mon/Wed - 4:00-6:05pm
  • Fri - Sectionals TBD 

Jazz Combos Audition Requirements

MUS 17A/11 - Jazz Combos

• Dan Marschak, Director
• dmarschak@laspositascollege.edu
• Audition process:
  Students must record a video of themselves performing the requirements listed below along with a backing track or other players, and email to the instructor after the first class meeting of the semester August 17 by 5pm.
  • Horns: Play the head (melody) of a tune of your choice, then improvise for at least a chorus.
  • Drums: Demonstrate 3 styles: Swing, Bossa, Funk (each style can be approx 30 seconds). Please also play with either a backing a track or a friend over a tune of your choice and trade 4s for at least one chorus.
  • Piano and Guitar: Choose a standard and demonstrate playing chord changes ("comping") for at least one chorus and improvise for at least chorus.
  • Bass: Demonstrate basslines in 3 styles: Swing, Bossa, Funk (each style can be approx 30 seconds). Please also play with either a backing a track or a friend over a tune of your choice and improvise for at least one chorus.
  • Vocals: Sing a tune of your choice over a backing track or with an accompanist. Scatting over the changes is ideal, but not required. 

Jazz Ensemble Audition Requirements

MUS 15 - Jazz Ensemble

• Mario Silva, Director
• msilva@laspositascollege.edu
• Auditions for MUS 15 are held on the first day of class 6pm-8:50pm or students can record a video and email it to the instructor by 8:50pm
• Horns: Please have prepared 2 major scales in 2 octaves. Also, please perform the head for a jazz standard of your choice.
• Drummers/Percussionists: Please demonstrate 3 styles: Swing, Bossa, Funk
• Rhythm Section (piano, guitar, bass): Please choose a standard and demonstrate playing chord changes.

Vocal Audition Requirements

MUS 45 and 46 - Chamber Choir and Vocal Jazz Ensemble

• Andreas Preponis, Director
• apreponis@laspositascollege.edu

Vocal Jazz Ensemble - MUS 46

Audition Date: Wednesday, Aug 16 and Monday Aug 21, 2023, 4:00 p.m.

Location: L4000, 4130

Please note that this is a two-part audition that takes place over two different days. 

Day 1, Wednesday, Aug 16:

The audition will begin with a vocal warm-up, range check and part placement activities. Afterward, you will learn a short selection of music in 4-part harmony which you must practice and memorize over the weekend.

Day 2, Monday, Aug 21:

You will perform the previously learned selection memorized and in quartets.

The audition concludes with a sharing of songs. Please prepare to perform a jazz tune for the class. The music should showcase your skills, musicality and your personal strengths. If you are not familiar with jazz songs, choose something you think is close to the style. Bring lead sheets or sheet music, a collaborative pianist will be available to accompany you. A cappella performances are welcome.
For further questions, you can contact me at apreponis.lpc@gmail.com

Instrumental Chamber and Orchestra Audition Requirements

MUS 41 and 16 - Instrumental Chamber Ensemble and Orchestra

• Andreas Preponis, Director
• apreponis@laspositascollege.edu

Non-Auditioned Ensembles

We offer two non-auditioned ensembles, where anyone regardless of ability, can enroll and participate: MUS 48 Improvisation Lab and MUS 44 Concert Choir. Due to resource limitations we have to rotate them from semester to semester. 

This Fall 2023, the non-auditioned ensemble will be: 

• MUS 48 Improvisation Lab (Thursdays 6pm-8:50pm)
• Julie Homi, Director
• Email: JHomi@laspositascollege.edu

 

Covid Safety

Our top priority as a department is student and instructor safety, while also finding innovative and creative solutions to the central problem: Making music together without spread of Covid 19. 

Ensembles are currently being taught face-to-face pending state and county guidelines. Appropriate measures are in place to ensure safe rehearsal and performance. This space will be updated accordingly with new information as necessary.

Questions?

 After reading all available information thoroughly, any remaining questions may be directed to department coordinator Dan Marschak (dmarschak@laspositascollege.edu)