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Auditions

General Information

Saxophone students auditioning for both Symphony Band and Jazz Ensembles 1 and 2 should sign-up for two audition times, preferably not consecutive. Sign-up: Snow 282G. Auditions will be held on the first day of classes each semester.

  • Saxophone auditions will be held in Snow 282G unless otherwise indicated.

  • Auditions are only 15 minutes in duration. Be on time, have your instrument out and ready, and do not expect to play all of your material (sections to be chosen by Dr. Watkins).

  • Fill out an audition sheet prior to your audition (found on the music stand outside the audition room.

Music

  • Prepared Composition: You must provide your own materials and select a composition that best represents your technique and musicality. Students should choose something they have not previously performed for Dr Watkins. Do not expect a favorable audition without a prepared piece.

  • 24-hour Composition: The selection is available on the bulletin board by 282G the day before auditions. It is intended that you take a minimum of two practice sessions to prepare this work: one the day prior to your scheduled audition and one the day of the audition.

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Feel free to contact Dr. Watkins for music suggestions or to ask any questions you may have.

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Classical

​Etude or solo repertoire. First semester freshmen who don’t have a solo composition or etude may play one of the samples below, Nos. 24 and 25 from Rubank Advanced Method, Vol. 1, or the harder option, Nos. 1 and 2 from Ferling 48 Studies. Disregard instrument specification and play the music on your preferred saxophone. Classical auditions are required for Symphony Band.

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Classical

Jazz

A transcription or etude. First semester freshmen who don’t have a transcription or etude may play one of the samples below, “Blues with a Bridge,” from Mintzer 14 Blues and Funk Etudes, or the harder “Thriving from a Riff” Parker transcription. If you have experience with improvisation, you may play a standard with bass or piano accompanist or a backing track. Bring your own playback device and speaker/accompanist. Jazz auditions are required for Jazz Lab Band (Jazz Ensemble 2) and Sound Alliance (Jazz Ensemble 1).

Talent Awards

Saxophone talent awards are available to music majors and for non-music majors who are willing to take lessons and participate in ensembles. Live on-campus audition is preferred. Video recorded submissions are acceptable for students where travel is prohibitive. Applicants may audition with classical material, jazz material, or both for a stronger audition. Talents awards are for saxophone regardless of style performed.

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Application and audition materials (live or recorded) are due by February 1st each year. Questions: Saxophone talent award questions should be directed towards Dr. Mark Watkins at watkinsm@byui.edu.

Classical Talent Audition

Technique

  • All major scales, slurred, full range of the instrument. Tempo should be quarter note=88 bpm or faster. For example, C major should start on C, ascend to palm key F, descend to low B, and resolve on C.

  • Chromatic Scales, low B-flat to high F or F-sharp (if the F-Sharp key is available), all tongues in sixteenth notes. Tempo should be quarter note=88 bpm or faster

Repertoire

  • Two contrasting selections from the solo literature (Grade IV or higher) that demonstrate tone quality, technical fluency, articulation, and musical expression. If possible, include piano accompaniment.

  • Collections such as Himie Voxman's Concert and Contest Collection or Larry Teal's Solo's for the [Alto or Tenor] Saxophone Player are accessible resources.

  • State Solo lists are additional resources for selecting literature.

  • These resources include compositions of varied levels. Choose something challenging according to your current Proficiency.

Jazz Talent Audition

Transcription or Etude 

A transcription you have done of a notable jazz saxophonist. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Alto: ​Johnny Hodges, Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, Phil Woods, Kenny Garrett, Sherman Irby, Patrick Bartley, or Baptiste Herbin

  • Tenor: Lester Young, Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker, Bob Mintzer

  • Baritone: Gerry Mulligan, Pepper Adams, Ronnie Cuber, Nick Brignola

  • Charlie Parker Omni Book

  • Jim Snidero Jazz Conception

  • Lennie Niehaus Advanced Jazz Conception

  • Bob Mintzer Blue and Jazz Etudes, Blues and Funk Etudes, or 12 Contemporary Etudes. 

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Improvisation

Improvisation with a backup track (such as Jamey Aebersold or Hal Leonard)​. Sample tunes include but are not limited to:

  • All of Me

  • Autumn Leaves

  • Doxy

  • Ornithology

  • Satin Doll

  • Take the "A" Train

  • Yardbird Suite

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