Cadence Vocal Jazz Ensemble
AUDITIONS FOR VOCALISTS AND RHYTHM SECTION
(First week of class 5:30-6:50pm, Rm. 221)
Tues, August 19th, 2025 – New Vocal/Instrumental Auditions
Thurs, August 21, 2025 - Vocal Callback Auditions
CADENCE is СÓÅ´«Ã½â€™s Vocal Jazz ensemble that focuses on learning ensemble repertoire and performance skills. Consisting of 7-12 auditioned singers and a 3-4 piece band, the ensemble performs standard and contemporary jazz repertoire. Basic musical concepts of improvisation, solo, and larger ensemble performance are incorporated into this course offering. As part of the performing and rehearsal environment, Cadence regularly works with its own jazz instrumental combo, providing ensemble, combo, and soloist opportunities for ensemble members. Public performance required. Performing 2-3 times a semester, past venues include the Oceanside Jazz Festival, Jazz Lounge, and Dizzy’s Jazz Club.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- VOCALISTS: New/Non-Current Members
•Tues Aug 19th 5:00-6:50pm (RM 221) (Signup Genius Link or email for times)
o Vocal selection - Prepare a solo piece to sing (preferably jazz, but it can be anything non-classical). Your audition will be accompanied by piano or backing track. Sheet music, lead sheets, or chord charts ok. Acappella singing not permitted.
o Sightsinging - This is an important part of the audition. Because we learn so much repertoire it is vital that the prospective Cadence member be a good reader. Even if a student has the best voice on the planet, if they can’t read music, they will not pass the audition.
o Aural comprehension - You will be asked to sing a short melodic phrase played on the piano. This allows the director to evaluate the student’s ear.
o Results of this audition emailed Tues Aug 19th 9pm. - VOCALISTS: CALL BACK New& SP25 Members
• Thurs Aug 21st 5pm start (RM 221) (Signup Genius Link or email for times)
o 24 hour piece – Wed Aug 20th - you will receive an email of an excerpt from a choral piece (usually 16-32 measures in length) representative of the repertoire level we will be singing this semester.
o Accuracy is important, but goal is to learn as much as possible. This audition reveals skill level and work ethic of learning challenging music quickly.
o All women must learn the ALTO part, and men have their choice of the TENOR or BASS part. The next day, the student returns and sings their choral part as a solo, a cappella.
Callback directions -
o Please use instruments, notation/playback software to learn your part.
o Do not practice with others.
o Focus primarily on notes, rhythms, and blend.
o You will be asked to sing by yourself with no piano accompaniment. - ALL INSTRUMENTALISTS:
(Rhythm section – piano/gtr/bass/drums)
The rhythm section will work on Cadence charts on their own and be brought into vocal rehearsals after the 3rd week of semester and will be required to come to Tuesday rehearsals. There will be possible dress rehearsals and concerts on Thursdays. These will be announced as soon as information is available.
• Tues Aug 19th, 2025, 6:30-6:50pm (RM 221)
o Prepare a jazz standard of your choice to play.
o If applicable, it is preferred that you are able to play the melody, ‘comp’ changes, and take a short solo. The director will play/accompany you on piano.
o Sightread a sample ensemble chart.
Audition results will also be emailed by Thurs Aug 21st 10pm.
For more info, please feel free to contact Melonie Grinnell, director at melonie.grinnell@gcccd.edu or the music dept. at (619) 644-7254.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Why can’t I register for the class yet?
There is no pre-registration for the class, permission numbers will be only given
out to students who complete the audition and are invited to become members of the
Cadence Vocal Jazz Program.
Do I have to sing or play in front of other people?
The first round of auditions and interviews will not be held in front of other students,
just with the director. Auditions will be videotaped for director reference only.
Bring something to sing or play and the director will accompany you on piano. If you
are invited to the callback, that process will take place with other students participating.
When will the callback list be posted?
The callback list will be determined by Wednesday at noon, after all first round auditions have been completed. If your name is on the list, you will be
given a short excerpt of vocal jazz ensemble music to learn for Thursday’s callback.
The callback list will be emailed, and also on the board outside of Rm. 223 and 230H
(Music Building). All callback vocalists should be present Thursday at 5:30PM. Final audition results will be posted and permission numbers to register will be distributed
no earlier than the first Friday of classes.
What can I do to prepare myself for my audition?
- Make sure you have checked out the Audition Information.
- LISTEN to as much jazz as you can - both instrumental and vocal. Check out jazzandblues.org for a free jazz radio station online, or the KSDS app.
- Select an audition song from jazzstandards.com and obtain the sheet music.
- Consider downloading the iRealb app to practice with automatic accompaniment.
We are very much looking forward to your audition - good luck!