2025-2026 Jazz Audition Requirements

Overview

Jazz has always been a vital part of the music department at Kinder HSPVA. The Jazz Program includes two big bands and two “official” combos. Other related courses offered include Jazz Fundamentals/ Improvisation, and a Rhythm Section class. Since the inception of the TMEA All-State Jazz Ensembles in 1979, the jazz program has had well over 150 students selected to these prestigious ensembles. Since 2008, Kinder HSPVA has partnered with the Herbie Hancock Institute’s Performing Arts High School Jazz Program, which brings in respected musicians and educators from the local community and region to work with students in a small group setting. Some recent clinicians have included Dr. Robert Morgan, Jason Moran, Robert Glasper, Helen Sung, Ingrid Jenson, Brandon Lee, Pamela York, Andre Hayward, David Caceres, Joel Frahm, Greg Fishman, Eddie Gomez, Don Braden, and Tim Hagans. Kinder HSPVA jazz ensembles have performed at numerous festivals including Essentially Ellington, Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival, North Texas Jazz Festival, Crescent City Jazz and many other local and regional festivals.

When are auditions and callbacks?

The first stage of auditions for the 2025-26 school year will be virtual. 

Submissions will be accepted from December 10, 2024 - February 21, 2025.  Please check our website at that time for uploading instructions.  Each assignment and video will be uploaded individually.  The submission deadline for materials is February 21, 2025 at 11:59 PM CT. 

Live Callbacks are by invitation only.  You will be notified if you have received a callback no later than February 26, 2025.  Callback instructions will be provided to students at that time.  Students will not need to learn any additional music.  Hold the date of Saturday, March 1, 2025, for a possible in person callback.

What do I need to prepare for an audition?

Part 1:  30-60 second introduction – Brief video introduction of who you are, how long you have been playing and why you are interested in attending Kinder HSPVA’s Instrumental department

Part 2:  Make a video recording with clear audio of you performing the following:

Electric Guitar, Piano, Bass  

Video #1 - You will perform a standard tune (no more than 90 seconds) from The Real Book or any similar collection of traditional jazz tunes (e.g., “Autumn Leaves," "Take the A Train," etc.). You should play the melody with appropriate chordal accompaniment, and, if possible, improvise on a portion of the selection.  You may also use pre-recorded accompaniment (such as Jamey Aebersold Play-A-Longs, Band-in-a-Box, iReal Pro, etc.)

Video #2 - Demonstrate familiarity with the following chord structures.  Piano and guitar please use jazz chord voicings.  Bassists, for each chord play the root, third, fifth, and seventh of each chord quality.

• • C Major 7
  • C Dominant 7
  • c minor 7^th
  • c minor 7^th b5

Video #3 (Optional)  - If you are in a school jazz ensemble, you may additionally prepare a selection from your jazz ensemble repertoire (no more than 60 seconds). The selection should include both "comping" (from chord symbols) and "written-out" melodic material.

Drum Set

Video 1:  Demonstrate the following “rhythmic feels” in an imaginative manner:

• • Medium swing (16 measures)
  • Uptempo swing (16 measures)
  • Medium rock/funk (8 measures)
  • Bossa nova (16 measures)
  • Jazz ballad with brushes (8 measures)

Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophones

Please see instructions for Band Audition Requirements.  You will submit a Band Audition and have the option to submit a jazz improv video.

NOTES

• Introduce the piece you will be playing (name and composer).
• The quality of the video will not be taken into consideration.  Using your phone is completely acceptable.
• The video should show only the student.
• Make sure that the final version you submit represents your best work.  Unlike a live audition, you can keep recording until you are satisfied.
• If you are unable to record a video or upload for any reason, please contact Mr. Klein, Magnet Coordinator, to discuss alternatives. (jklein1@houstonisd.org)

Audition materials for the 2024-25 school year will be accepted at https://app.getacceptd.com/kinderhspva beginning January 18, 2024.  The deadline to submit materials is February 23, 2024. 

Instructions:

1. If you have not already created an account with Acceptd, you will need to do that first.  Acceptd is a platform used by some of the best colleges, universities, conservatories, summer programs, and competitions.  This platform is NOT connected with CHOOSEHISD.org and your username and passwords do not need to match.  We suggest that you sign up as a parent, and when adding your student, indicate that the student does NOT have an email account.  If you include your student’s email address, they will need to verify the account before you submit their application.
2. After creating an account, you’ll need to browse programs and search for “HSPVA” or make sure you are logged in and click HERE
3. Complete the application and upload materials as directed.

For technical questions, please visit Acceptd's Applicant Help Desk.