Ensemble/Combo Auditions
Spring 2025 Big Band Auditions
Big Band audition sign-up sheets will be posted on the jazz bulletin board outside of room 241 (Dr. Winking's office). Auditions are open to all students, regardless of major.
Trumpet, Trombone, and Saxophone auditions:
Saxophone- with Joel Frahm, room 247
Monday, December 2nd 2:00-5:00 and Tuesday, December 3rd 2:00-5:00
Trumpet- with Professor Carillo, room 243
Monday, December 2nd 11:00-1:00 and Wednesday, December 4th 2:00-4:00
Trombone-with Randy Zimmerman, room 226
Monday, December 2nd 12:30-2:30 and Tuesday, December 3rd 11:00-1:00
Rhythm section auditions will start at 11:30 in room 216 on Monday, December 2nd
Students that are unable to audition on these dates are advised to contact Dr. Utah Hamrick (ulh1@txstate.edu) or the respective instrument instructor to set up an alternate time.
Saxophone: Joel Frahm (ygs21@txstate.edu)
Trumpet: Prof. Tito Carillo (yzb13@txstate.edu) and Dr. Keith Winking
Trombone: Randy Zimmerman (rez5@txstate.edu)
Piano: Hank Hehmsoth (hank@txstate.edu)
Guitar: Carter Arrington (tjx12txstate.edu)
Drums: Arthur Latin (al26099@txstate.edu)
Bass: Dr. Utah Hamrick (ulh1@txstate.edu)
Spring 2025 Combo Auditions
Texas State Jazz Combos are open to all students, regardless of major. If you do a big band audition, a separate combo audition is not necessary, you will be placed accordingly. If you wish to play in a combo but are not playing in a big band, sign up for an audition slot or contact Dr. Hamrick at ulh1@txstate.edu to set up an audition time. Be prepared to play the melody and improvise at least one chorus over a jazz standard.
If you plan to play in a combo, please fill out the attached schedule card and bring it to your audition!
Jazz Audition Requirements
Jazz auditions are low-pressure and consist of the following:
Horns for Fall 2024:
- A short prepared excerpt of your choosing (transcribed solo, etude, etc.)
- Sight-reading
- Improvisation; optional, but strongly encouraged (play-along accompaniment will be provided)
Rhythm section for Fall 2024:
Auditions will consist of reading two big band charts in contrasting styles. Students will play the audition in full rhythm section groups (1 piano, 1 guitar, 1 bass, 1 drums). The auditions will be graded on not only reading, but feel, time, and improvisation.
About the Ensembles
The Texas State jazz ensembles explore a full spectrum of big band sounds, ranging from classic swing to high-energy latin and funk. Jazz ensembles and combos are open to all qualified university students by audition. Ensembles count for one credit per semester.
Jazz Ensemble
Directed by Dr. Utah Hamrick
MWF, 11 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
224
Jazz Orchestra
Directed by Prof. Tito Carillo
MWF, 11 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
216
Jazz Lab Band
Directed by Arthur Latin
MW, 12:30 p.m.–1:50 p.m.
216
Jazz Combos
Times to be arranged