Webster University: Jazz Lab Ensemble

Age	Students grades 8-12
Fees	$205 per semester (30-week academic year comprised of two semesters) A non-refundable registration fee of $25 is assessed once per academic year per student upon enrollment.
Audition Requirements	Students will play two pieces, preferably standards from the jazz repertoire. Classical etudes or solos are acceptable as a substitute for jazz pieces. The audition pieces should display technique, rhythmic agility, phrasing, and melodic sensitivity. Suggested jazz works for the audition: a 12 bar blues; a standard by Ellington, Porter, Arlen, or Gershwin; a Latin work by Jobim; a piece by Parker, Davis, or Shorter, or jazz band excerpts. Drum auditions will include playing in the following styles: medium and fast swing, ballad, bossa nova, samba, jazz waltz, shuffle, and 1/2 time funk Piano, bass, guitar and vibraphone auditions will include playing written parts and reading chord symbols. Students will take a simple ear training/improvisation placement test.
Weekly Rehearsals	4:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 2, 2008 CMS Center, 535 Garden Ave. St. Louis, MO 63119
Concerts	6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008 7 p.m., Sunday, May 10, 2009

Robert Waggoner, conductor

Brass, Woodwind, and String instruments plus a rhythm section of Guitar, Vibraphone, Drum Set, Latin Percussion, and Bass (electric or acoustic)

All melodic instruments are welcome to participate in the jazz lab ensemble performing a variety of jazz styles from the 1930s to the present. The ensemble will develop students’ skills in improvisation, ensemble interaction, and personal musicianship.

A second jazz ensemble may be added if auditions and enrollment warrant. Prior experience in jazz is helpful but not mandatory.