Here are the audition requirements for the 2009-2010 Rock Ensemble.

I. VOCAL AUDITION

A. A prepared song with accompaniment by piano, guitar, small rhythm section or karaoke CDs that are available at reputable music stores. Vocalists will be evaluated in each of the following areas: tone, diction, relative pitch, time, and stage presence.

B. Easy sight-reading to show basic understanding of note reading and rhythms. A suggested book would be Let’s Read Music (Book 2, Volume by Rufus A. Wheeler, Published by Dickson-Wheeler, Inc., 208 First Street, Scotia, New York 12303).

C. Harmonizing the major scale in 3rds with another vocalists, up and down five steps.

II. KEYBOARD AUDITION

A. A prepared solo with or without rhythm section accompaniment in the classical, rock or jazz style.

B. Easy sight-reading. Use any popular sheet music.

C. Chords

Major: 7ths, 9ths 11ths, and 13ths

Dominant: 7ths, 9ths 11ths, and 13ths

Minor: 7ths, 9ths

Diminished: 7ths

Augmented: 7ths, 9ths

Suspended: 2nds, 4ths

D. Simple Improvisation over the I-IV-V chords in the keys of C, G, D, E, F, Bb, Eb, and Ab.

E. Major Scales: Two octaves with both hands.

III. GUITAR AUDITION

A. A prepared solo with rhythm section accompaniment in the jazz/rock style. The solo should be performed exactly as it is on a commercial recording of the candidates preference. The same sounds (distortion, flange, or digital delay) should be utilized at the audition.

B. Easy sight-reading from the Complete Guide for the Guitar: Advancing Jazz-Pop-Rock Edition (EFM 50001S, Coffman/Webb; Ellis Family Music, 1-800-573-5547, 30 Samana Drive, Miami, FL, 33133).

C. Chords

Major: 7ths, 9ths

Dominant: 7ths, 9ths

Minor: 7ths, 9ths

Diminished: 7ths

Augmented: 7ths

Suspended: 2nds, 4ths

D. Easy Blues improvisation over I-IV-V progressions in any key.

E. Major Scales: 2 octaves starting on the fifth or sixth string.

F. It is suggested that the guitarist have his/her own equipment and be encouraged to develop his/her own concept of sound if not already in place.

IV. BASS AUDITION

A. A prepared bass solo that has been transcribed from a popular, commercially produced recording.

B. Construct a bass line over a I-IV-V chord progression using the following:

1. Root, 5th

2. Root, 3rd, 5th

3. Root, 5th, octave

4. Root, 5th, octave, 12th

5. A basic walking-bass pattern

C. Knowledge of root, 3rd and 5th in major, minor, augmented and diminished chords.

D. Easy sight-reading from Complete Guide for the Guitar: Advancing Jazz-Pop-Rock Edition (EFM 50001S, Coffman/Webb; Ellis Family Music, 1-800-573-5547, 30 Samana Drive, Miami, FL 33133).

V. DRUM AUDITION

A. A prepared piece with rhythm section accompaniment (bass, piano and/or guitar) demonstrating an idiomatic rock drum pattern using good time and dynamic playing.

B. Demonstrate proficiency in 5/8 meter (listen to Dave Brubeck’s Take Five).

C. Demonstrate proficiency in 6/8 meter (listen to any jazz/waltz).

D. Demonstrate proficiency in 5/8 and 6/8 alternating meters (listen to Greg Allman’s Queen of Hearts from the solo album Laid Back).

E. Sight read from Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice (Carmine Appice Enterprises, 9171 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 436, Beverly Hills, CA 90210).

VI. WIND/BRASS AUDITION

A. Any prepared solo with accompaniment, either jazz or classical.

B. Major scale played one octave through 4 sharps and 4 flats with arpeggios.

C. Sight-read in any intermediate level band instrument book.

VII. TECHNICAL CREW

Because of the electronic nature of the group and the detailed set- up procedure, it is recommended that special sound reinforcement equipment personnel be selected. These students are very valuable because they will know exactly how to set up the equipment. In a situation where the entire system must be set up and taken down every day, these students will save valuable rehearsal time, save on wear and tear of the instrument, and gain experience. They will be instructed in soldering and repairing cables and chords. Organization of the equipment is very important. These students should be musical and have the desire to do the job. Mixing the sound through the system is very important and requires a musical ear. Equalization and the use of special effects are part of this very important position. Guidelines for duties are as follows:

1. Correctly wrap cables (over/under method) and properly dress a mic stand.

2. Set up and break down sound system.

3. Maintain all equipment by regularly checking cables, connectors, mic stands and speakers.

4. With teacher supervision, mix sounds by using the correct placement of mics and speakers so as to avoid audio feedback.

5. Pack up and prepare all equipment for trips.

6. Understand digital synthesizers, digital delay, and equalizer manipulation.

Comments (9)

9 Comments »

1. 

   I’m a junior this year of 09-10 and I wanted to show that I was interested and dedicated in joining the rock ensemble. It has been a dream even before freshmen where I heard of the Rock ensemble by my brother. I will try to learn as much as I can on the list and hopefully I’ll make it in and become part of your group. Thank you.

   Comment by Miguel Arce — July 22, 2009 @ 4:50 am

2. 

   Hello, Ive tried out for the rock ensemble last year but I was so nervous I kinda blew it. So I wanted to sing and play another acoustic song ive been learning and perfecting. The only problem is that I only read tabs, I forgot how to read notes. I heard that one of the guitarists, brian, couldn’t read notes either but he was still in the rock ensemble. Is it okay for me to try out?

   Comment by Isabella Cattani — August 24, 2009 @ 5:38 pm

3. 

   Yes, just do the best you can… and be amazing in whatever you can do. What is your strongest point? Singing? Showmanship? Just knock everyone out with your audition. Good luck!

   Comment by rockensemble — August 25, 2009 @ 3:10 pm

4. 

   Hey there. So… I was wondering… is this audition only for high school students? I received a message on facebook altho I haven’t been in high school since 1993. I dont read music, I can sing my tail off tho, come from a musical family, play regularly around town, and been told I have a good ear. Just did a Woodstock Tribute at Transit Lounge in Miami, I was the front woman. Been on the scene for about 8 years singing back up and getting involved in various projects. If Im too old for this endeavor, maybe I can help in some way, maybe you need an assistant… This sounds like a great project. Regardless of your reply, Im stoked this project exists and hope it continues to evolve.

   Truly,
   Michelle Forman

   Comment by michelle — September 1, 2009 @ 11:15 pm

5. 

   Well I auditioned! I hope I make it, my friend too. Do you know when the videos will be posted up? And when will we know if we made it or not?

   Comment by Isabella Cattani — September 5, 2009 @ 1:53 pm

6. 

   Hi, Isabella! Thanks for auditioning. Andrew Freedman may have already posted the footage on YouTube, but I haven’t checked myself. The results will be posted Tuesday morning outside the The Rock Ensemble room. I hope you make it, too!

   Mac

   Comment by Mac — September 6, 2009 @ 11:45 pm

7. 

   You have the right idea, this was for the high school’s Rock Ensemble. I can get back to you on your e-mail account about opportunities to help with the program.

   Comment by rockensemble — September 7, 2009 @ 7:32 pm

8. 

   Hey, when will the videos be up?

   Comment by Isabella Cattani — September 10, 2009 @ 4:25 pm

9. 

   Hi, Isabella! I inquired with Andrew and waiting to hear back from him. Hopefully soon.

   Mac

   Comment by gomac — September 12, 2009 @ 11:34 pm

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