REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ZEPLIN JAZZ GUITAR SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS
AUDITION DATE: Sunday, March 16, 2025
LOCATION: Albright College
TIME: Assigned by RMF following submission of application
STUDENTS IN GRADES 7-9 (2025 AUDITION):
You are to prepare ONE of the following three selections for your audition (with YouTube backing track shown):
• “Satin Doll” / Ellington, Strayhorn
• “St. Thomas” / Rollins
• “Blue Bossa” / Dorham
Lead sheets with the chords and melody to use with these backing tracks can be found in The Real Book,
Jazz Standard Bible 1, 2, and other sources.
STUDENTS IN GRADES 10-12 (2025 AUDITION):
You are to prepare ONE of the following three selections for your audition (with YouTube backing track shown):
• “All the Things You Are” / Kern
• “Softly as a Morning Sunrise” / Romberg
• “How High the Moon” / Lewis
Lead sheets with the chords and melody to use with these backing tracks can be found in The Real Book,
Jazz Standard Bible 1, 2, and other sources.
FOR ALL JAZZ GUITAR AUDITIONS:
Using the designated backing track for your selection, you will play three choruses (3 times through) in the following continuous sequence:
1st chorus: Play melody/head of the tune
2nd chorus: Improvise a solo over the chord changes
3rd chorus: Comp the chord changes
NOTE:
• Although the linked backing track may provide more than three choruses, you will play just three choruses using the sequence shown above.
• RMF will provide the backing track audio recording at the audition.
• YOU will provide for yourself any necessary printed visual chart(s) for chord changes (based on the backing track link) and melody (lead sheet) to use at the audition. (You will NOT need to provide a copy for the adjudicator.)
• You will provide your own guitar, and if electric, your own portable amplifier. RMF will provide a power extension cord to your amplifier.
• RMF will provide a single music stand and traditional music chair for your use at the audition. You may bring your own stool/chair and/or additional music stand, if desired.
• Be sure to indicate the title of your chosen selection on the audition application you submit.