The Always Be Creative! Ensemble

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In this ensemble, students are exposed to a wide variety of musical traditions from around the world, while studying the art of improvisation.  Students who have a solid command of their instruments over a 2-octave range and are ready to "leave the page" are well-suited to this ensemble. 

For ages 12 and older.   All instruments are welcome.  Positions in ABC! for piano, guitar, and acoustic or electric bass are limited to one each.  Auditions will only be held for these instruments when there is a vacancy.

Strings (except acoustic bass), woodwinds, and mallets:

Student must perform the melody of a jazz standard, a bebop head, or an American popular song (musical theater/Tin Pan Alley/Great American Songbook), plus

Scales: C, G, D, A F, Bb, and Eb major scales in two octaves from memory, in "first form" (quarter and eighths), quarter note = 120 bpm.

Brass: 

Student must perform the melody of a jazz standard, a bebop head, or an American popular song (musical theater/Tin Pan Alley/Great American Songbook), plus:

The following scales must be played from memory,  in "first form" (quarter and eighths), quarter note = 120 bpm.

Trumpets: C, D, A, F, Bb, and Eb major scales in 1 octave, G major in 2 octaves.

Trombones and baritones (euphonium): C, G, D, A, Bb, and Eb major in one octave, F major in 2 octaves.

Acoustic or electric bass: 

A solo piece of your choice, plus:

Eb, G, A, and Bb major scales in one octave, C, G, and D major scales in two octaves (all pizzicato for acoustic bass).

Piano: 

Solo: prepare a piece that demonstrates the ability to play with both hands simultaneously and with independence, on the level of ABRSM 5 or above.

Scales: C, G, D, A, F, Bb, and Eb major scales in both hands simultaneously for the full range of the piano.

Sight reading will measure the student's ability to read grand staff.

Guitar: solo and scale requirements are the same as they are for woodwinds, strings, and mallets.  Additionally, they should be able to play all major, minor, and 7th chords, including bar chords.

Drum set: demonstrate swing beat, rock beat, and one more rhythm (6/8, funk, Latin, etc.), using both hands and both feet, simultaneously.

Concert percussionists (school band) can choose three snare rudiments.  These must include one sustained roll (buzz or double-stroke), one paradiddle (sixteenths), and a third rudiment of your choice, all at quarter note = 120.