OAKLAND JAZZ SINGERS - 2023-24 AUDITIONS

The Oakland Jazz Singer program, directed by Professor Gwinnell, is students' way to obtain experience singing jazz within a choir. The jazz singers choirs sing with close microphones and PA. This elective is important to any singer who might need to demonstrate jazz styles in a professional performance or might be required to instruct high/middle school students in these elements. It is not a prerequisite to have jazz or improvisation to join. MUE 4015 can be enrolled for 0 or 1 credit.

The Golden Grizzly Jazz Singers (4015 001) are the flagship jazz vocal ensemble at OU. We are typically the ensemble for singers with more jazz and/or choir experience, demonstrating abilities in singing challenging arrangements with sometimes thick harmonies and intricate rhythms. The Golden Grizzlies meet in 300 Hill House on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:05-6:35pm.

The Blue Grizzly Jazz Singers (4015 002) are the feeder group that focuses on jazz essentials in a group format. We sing slightly less involved repertoire, but challenge students to learn new jazz elements without judgement. The Blue Grizzlies meet in 300 Hill House on Mondays from 7-10pm.

Both jazz choirs provide a proportional and fair amount of work for students. It is understood that the role of jazz singers is one of being an elective, and thus students are required to only perform one :30-:45m concert during the semester. Any extra work will be agreed upon by all students involved.

Jazz singers groups are open to any OU student including vocal performance, theater, music-theater, tech, instrumental, and non-music majors. Everyone must audition. If you would rather do an in-person audition, contact Prof. Gwinnell at Gwinnell@oakland.edu.

SUBMITTING AUDITION LINKS:

There are 2 short videos, under a minute a piece to submit to audition for jazz singers, as well as a Google Form to fill out. Videos should be shared with Professor Gwinnell via Google Drive at wscottgwinnell@gmail.com.

Please label videos with "jazz singers 2023", last name and number. (ex. Jazz Singers 2023 Gwinnell 1) The number is for video 1 or 2.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Fill out a a Jazz Singers audition form:

2. Sing, a cappella, with a warm, pop pronounced, straight tone, m.43-52 of the provided Darmon Meader arrangement of “Moonglow” at quarter note=108. Please use a swing feel. Choose the voice designation most comfortable to your range. Share video to wscottgwinnell@gmail.com

3. Choose a standard or jazz-standard to demonstrate. You should sing one time through unless you'd like to add another run-through for improvisation; the improv is optional. Choose a song that shows off your abilities. It is your choice to sing accompanied or a cappella. Below is a sample list of 154 standards. Share video to wscottgwinnell@gmail.com

4. Enroll for MUS 3015 001 or MUS 3015 002. You can do so for 0 or 1 credit. It doesn't matter which you sign up for at this point.

AUDITION RESULTS WILL BE SENT VIA EMAIL TO ALL STUDENTS DURING THE FIRST FULL WEEK OF FALL 2023 SEMESTER