Auditions – General Info
We invite all Davis Joint Unified School District students to join the Jazz Choir!
This is general information if you are interested in joining the choir. Auditions are done in the spring of each year for new members who then join the choir with the start of the next school year.
The Davis High School Jazz Choir performs throughout the year and each year goes on an educational spring trip to one of the major entertainment/ Jazz centers, typically New York City, Los Angeles or New Orleans In the winter or spring, students present the annual Cabaret Dinner Show, our largest fundraiser and an opportunity for students to showcase the talents they have developed.
The Jazz Choir requires a significant commitment beyond class time on the part of its members and relies upon volunteer support from parents/ guardians of choir members. Choir success is directly related to the level of student and parent participation. Additionally, financial support from participating families is requested, but not required. No student will be excluded from the choir or any choir activities for financial reasons or for lack of parent participation.
Please note these critical factors before auditioning:
- Students are expected to participate fully in the classroom, in mandatory weekly sectional rehearsals outside of class time, in community outreach opportunities, and in all performances. The director may choose to lower a student’s grade as a result of unexcused absences.
- Parents are asked to attend a monthly meeting to discuss matters of importance to the choir. Parents are also asked to spend time assisting with Choir events and fundraising activities.
In order to raise the necessary funds for Choir performance attire, for the scheduled annual Spring Trip, and for other choir fees and expenses, Jazz Choir families are asked to make a yearly fairshare donation. The suggested fairshare donation amount typically ranges from $1,000-2,000. Every student who auditions will be considered, even if parent(s) are unable to provide a monetary contribution. Parent participation is estimated to be approximately 5 hours per month during the school year.
What are Jazz Choir Auditions Like?
Jazz Choir auditions involve both a Vocal and a Dance Audition.
Vocal Audition — comprised of pitch matching, range test, sight singing, and solo performance. The student may select any song that best demonstrates his/her singing ability. Students are expected to sing an entire solo. Students may use an accompanist or back up track. Up to 100 points will be assigned based upon demonstration of singing skill (tone/intonation/musicality), musicianship, and stage presence.
Dance Audition — done en masse with all other candidates for Jazz Choir. All are taught a dance by our choreographer and given time, with the help of senior members of the current Jazz Choir, to practice their steps in smaller groups. All are reconvened and audition in small groups. Points are assigned on a 5 point scale (5 being best) according to each candidate’s demonstrated ability to learn quickly and move with coordination.
Students may be called back for an additional vocal and dance audition.
Vocal and Dance scores are multiplied to reach a final score. The student’s score ranking and choir preference are considered in the decision to invite the student to become a Jazz Choir member. Members are then required to enroll in the Jazz Choir class.
Ready to Audition? Go here!
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