Auditioning for National Bands
Students auditioning for the Standard Bank National Schools Big Band are all assessed by a single small audition panel are assessed on ensemble sensitivity, jazz musicality, tone quality, technical ability, reading skills and improvisational creativity.
Those auditioning for the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band are assessed at the same time by a separate 5-person audition panel, looking for the same musical skills at a higher level, but with less emphasis on reading ability. Students auditioning for the Standard Bank National youth Jazz Band are, though, required to be able to read music.
All students auditioning for either band must prepare a piece indicating their technical virtuosity on their instrument, and will perform some sight-reading, as well as jazz improvisation in a small ensemble.