Berkley HS Jazz Ensemble Auditions

2026-2027 School Year

Jazz Ensemble - Audition - Big Band

Jazz Ensemble meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on days that Berkley H.S. is in session. Any deviation from this schedule will be communicated well in advance.

Students will upload their audition/performance to Schoology.

Students will receive an email regarding their status on Friday, September 26. The first Jazz Ensemble rehearsal will be on Monday, September 28. 

Who Can Participate

Saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion students must be enrolled in a curricular band class year‑round to participate in Jazz Ensemble, unless there is a valid reason why a student is not enrolled. Guitar, Bass, and Piano are open to all students in the high school. 

Jazz Lab - No Audition - All Instruments

Jazz Lab is a novice, experimental jazz ensemble. All students and instruments may participate, provided they attend rehearsals regularly. Jazz Lab meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

There is currently no audition required to participate in Jazz Lab.

Jazz Ensemble Audition Process

Students must audition to participate in the BHS Jazz Ensemble

  • Join the Jazz Ensemble Audition Schoology Class

    • Access Code: VTNH-GH2M-3N8XX

  • All returning students must audition.

  • Auditioning students must attend all 2 of the audition clinics.

    • ***Correction*** Tuesday, 22 September from 7:30-8:00 am

    • Wednesday, 23 September from 7:30-8:00 am

    • All students must submit a recording of their audition and upload it to Schoology by midnight on Thursday, September 24.

  • Students must record

    • Record yourself playing the audition music and upload the recording to Schoology. Mr. Thomann will inform students when and how to upload the recording during the clinics.

    • Music is in the Jazz Ensemble Audition Music Folder.

  • Membership is dependent on 

    • Attendance and being on time.

    • Preparation 

    • Communication

    • Ability to work positively with your peers.

    • Ability to work respectfully with the teacher.

  • Complete the Jazz Interest Form

Instruments in Jazz Ensemble

The Jazz Ensemble will consist of the following instrumentation (one person per part).

  • Lead Alto Saxophone

  • 2nd Alto Saxophone

  • Lead Tenor Saxophone

  • 2nd Tenor Saxophone

  • Lead Trumpet

  • 2nd Trumpet

  • 3rd Trumpet

  • 4th Trumpet (Optional)

  • Lead Trombone

  • 2nd Trombone

  • 3rd Trombone (optional)

  • 4th Bass Trombone

  • Guitar (optional) - student must be able to read music and chord charts

  • Bass

  • Drumset

  • Aux. Perc. (Vibraphone, Hand Drums, Etc.)

Jazz Ensemble Audition Music

Click here to access the Jazz Ensemble Audition Music Folder.

Jazz Lab Membership Requirement

  • Complete the Jazz Interest Form

Descriptions

Jazz Ensemble

Berkley prides itself on its strong jazz program, consistently performing and presenting itself as one the top jazz ensembles in the state. In the past, the Jazz Ensemble has been featured performers in many settings, including New Orleans, New York, and Chicago. The ensemble is comprised of top members of the Concert Ensembles, and meets before school for rehearsal. While the Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble, any musician wishing to perform jazz may partake in the Lab Band, also held before school.

Jazz Ensemble typically meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7:30 am - 8:10 am in the BHS Band room.

Jazz Lab

The Berkley Jazz Lab is for any student wishing to study jazz, on any instrument. This developmental ensemble is designed for students who wish to further develop their skills in the jazz medium, including playing stylistically and improvising.

Jazz Lab typically meets on Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 7:30 am - 8:10 am in the BHS Band room.