JAZZ

DIRECTOR OF JAZZ PROGRAM
Francisco Dean
scoleo7@yahoo.com

Events

Program Forms & Information

INFORMATION/ AUDITION packet (PDF)

Tuition Form

Financial Aid Form

MAYO Jazz Mission

The mission of the MAYO Jazz Program is to provide excellence in jazz performance by addressing the challenges facing today’s musician. Our mission is fulfilled by the study of jazz performance coupled with the reinforcement of classical techniques and mechanics with strong emphasis on quality musicianship in solo, combo, and big band settings. Our mission will be further enhanced academically through group instruction, section master classes, and interactions with guest artists, while being enhanced publicly through informal live performances via jam sessions, and formal performances via prepared concerts.

Rehearsals - Tuesday evenings beginning September 16
First Presbyterian Church (location)
221 East Sixth Street, Bloomington
6:30-8:30 p.m.

A 10-minute audition time will be assigned for each candidate. Please contact the Jazz Program Director at scoleo7@yahoo.com to set up an audition time. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early for your audition so you can sign-in and warm-up.

Eligibility
Generally students will need at least 1 or 2 years of playing experience (although there are always exceptions). Please read the AUDITION EXPECTATIONS criteria on the right side for more details.

Philosophy

The MAYO Jazz Program is an active program dedicated to giving the students the opportunity to grow musically, socially, and personally. It supports, supplements and enhances the vast parent music programs from which are organization draws its membership. Through musical performance, students learn to work together to achieve common goals and foster respect for one another.

Students learn to focus on goals and achievements beyond the personal level as well as developing their own self-discipline. Through the study of harmony, scales, rhythms, styles, and other elements, students develop skills that will allow them to understand and appreciate both the mechanical and artistic foundations of music.

As a result, students who successfully complete the program will be well-equipped with the necessary tools to function, be productive, and contribute intelligently to our musical society.

Auditions

On your 1st day, you’ll take a short, informal audition. This will allow the instructors to get to know you and place you in a group with others of your same level of ability. The auditions are completely relaxed. Of course, the more you know about scales and chords (arpeggios), the more comfortable you will feel. For individual requirements, please download the information /audition packet.

AUDITION EXPECTATIONS :

• A good characteristic tone on your instrument.
• Reading music without having to write in note names.
• Fingerings of the common notes on your instrument without having to refer to a fingering chart.
• Understanding and demonstration of the basic scales appropriate to your level.
• Counting and playing rhythms such as 8ths notes, triplets, and dotted notes.
• Some experience with sightreading.