Benton Jazz Band 

 
 
What is the Benton Jazz Band? 
 
The Benton Jazz Band is an elite extracurricular performance ensemble focusing on the performance of 
rock, jazz, swing, funk, and latin music as well as the development of improvisation skills. 
 
What kind of commitment are we talking about here? 
 
From November through May, the Benton Jazz Band will meet after school every Tuesday that school is in 
session in room 91 from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m. Jazz Band will perform at the Winter Concert on December 13, the 
Spring Concert on March 1, and the Pops Concert on May 16. There may be additional performance 
opportunities throughout the year. 
 
Who is eligible to audition? 
 
Any Benton student who has any level of experience playing any of the following instruments is encouraged 
to audition: 
Saxophone  Drumset  Flute 
Trumpet  Percussion  Clarinet 
Trombone  Electric Guitar  Baritone/Euphonium 
Keyboard  Bass Guitar  Tuba 
Piano  Double Bass  Vibraphone 
 
When are auditions? 
 
Auditions will be held on Tuesday, October 30 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Room 91. Sign up for a time slot in room 
91. 
 
What do I need to prepare for my audition? 
 
Please see Mr. Summers in Room 91 for the audition music or visit the link here. If you have questions about 
the audition material or need help, see Mr. Summers in Room 91 and he will be glad to help! 
 
 
 Benton Jazz Band 
Audition Requirements - 2018/2019 
 
Brass, Woodwind, Vibraphone, & Bass Guitar / Double Bass: 
 
● Concert B-flat blues scale [100 bpm] 
● Concert C Dorian scale [100 bpm] 
● “Jammin’ With Charlie” - measures 31 to 43 [116 bpm] 
● Sight reading 
 
Guitar & Piano: 
 
● B-flat blues scale [100 bpm] 
● Chords: 
○ B-flat 7 
○ E-flat 7 
○ F7 
● “Jammin’ With Charlie” - measures 7 to 19 (12-bar blues form) [116 bpm] 
● Sight reading 
 
Drumset: 
 
● Grooves: 
○ rock [116 bpm] 
○ rock ballad [80 bpm] 
○ funk / hip hop / R&B [96 bpm] 
○ swing [120 bpm] 
○ jazz waltz [112 bpm] 
● “Jammin’ With Charlie” - measures 7 to 31 [116 bpm] 
● Sight reading 
 
Auxiliary Percussion: 
 
● Cowbell / Shaker groove [116 bpm] 
● Triangle / Bongos groove [96 bpm] 
● “Jammin’ With Charlie” - measures 31 to 43 [116 bpm] 
● Sight reading