AUDITION CALL!
9th-12th Grade Jazz Musicians
in the Central San Joaquin Valley

To celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the San Joaquin Valley Jazz Festival, submit an audition to be part of SJVJF’s inaugural regional honor Big Band, to perform with and open for this year’s Headlining Guest Artist!

What is this opportunity?

Join a group of like-minded High School aged musicians who LOVE jazz, and desire to learn and perform professional level large jazz ensemble music. This longer-term regional honor jazz band will run from early December through February, culminating in a performance within the Festival at Bullard and at SJVJF35’s Saturday Night Concert.

Am I eligible?

The San Joaquin Valley Jazz Ensemble (SJVJE) is open to any musician residing in the San Joaquin Valley within the age range of 9th-12th grade. Students must be in good standing with their school’s music program.

Here is a breakdown of desired instrumentation and potential skill demands:

• 6-7 Saxophones (Alto, Tenor, Bari)

  • Desired doubling abilities for all saxes include Bass Clarinet for Bari, and Clarinet/Flute for Alto/Tenor players

  • Potential for Soprano Sax for Alto players

• 1 designated Flautist

• 4-5 Trombones (includes Bass Trombone)

• 5-6 Trumpets

• 1-2 Pianists (and/or Guitarists)

• 1-2 Bassists

• 2 Drummers

  • selected drummers will rotate and double on Vibes/ Auxiliary Percussion

• Any other instrumentalists with strong musicianship are welcome to audition and would be considered.

  • “non-traditional” jazz instruments may choose a part closest to the typical notation read on their instrument

    • ex: French Horn can audition utilizing the Trombone part, Mandolin can audition utilizing the Piano/Guitar/Vibes part, etc.

What are the rehearsal dates?

Rehearsal dates will include Sundays and Tuesdays from 5-8pm, from December through February with some of those dates eliminated based on available attendance of who makes the band.

The following dates are currently reserved for rehearsals in 2023, the majority of which will occur at Scandinavian Middle School in Fresno. Additional rehearsal sites are TBA.

The 2024 rehearsal dates will be announced to occur within Sundays and Tuesdays in Jan/Feb, based on who makes the band.

All Rehearsals for December 2023 will be from 5-8pm unless otherwise noted.
Sunday December 3rd
Tuesday December 5th
Sunday December 10th
Tuesday December 12th
Sunday December 17th
Tuesday December 19th
=off for 2 weeks for Christmas/ New Years =

Projected Rehearsal Dates for January and February 2023.
Sunday January 7th
Tuesday January 9th
Sunday January 14th
Tuesday January 16th
Sunday January 21st
Tuesday January 23rd
Sunday January 28th
Tuesday January 30th
=Sunday Feb 4th off for CASMEC=
Tuesday February 6th
Sunday February 11th
Tuesday February 13th
Sunday February 18th
Tuesday February 20th - Last Rehearsal
MAIN EVENT: Friday February 23rd - Saturday February 24th
Band members should plan to attend both days of the festival.

What do I need to do to audition?

Check out your instrument’s audition excerpt HERE. Submit a Video Recording of the audition on this website by Sunday November 26th at 5pm. Take a look at your calendars to be able to notify your date conflicts with rehearsals upon registration.

Register, print your audition music, practice, record, and submit!

How much does it cost to be in SJVJE?

It is free to audition, and $150 to participate in the ensemble if accepted. This fee covers the cost of rehearsal facilities and music the band will perform. If you are not able to afford the fee but make the band, please do not let this prevent you from auditioning as additional financial support may become available.

Who will be the director, and what will we play?

The band will be directed by Barb Shinaver, but band members can expect to work with many guest artists and clinicians throughout their rehearsal dates. Literature will include a wide variety of challenging, exciting music featuring SJVJE band members, additional special guests, and the Festival’s Headlining Guest Artist!