The following audition requirements are for undergraduate WVU School of Music trumpet students interested in pursuing a degree in BME, IND, BA, COMP or THER.
Trumpet candidates are encouraged to showcase their versatility in classical and jazz idioms.
Please prepare the following:
Three contrasting pieces of choice (i.e. solos, etudes, movements from concertos or sonatas).
Suggested solos (but not limited to the following):
Pennequin Morceau de Concert, Barat Andante et Scherzo, Balay Prelude et Ballade or Andante et Allegretto, Cornet solo by Herbert Clarke, Ropartz Andante et Allegro
Suggested etudes (but not limited to the following):
Bordogni Melodious Etudes for Trumpet, Charlier 36 Études Transcendantes, ArbansCharacteristic Studies
Chromatic scale from lowest to highest notes.
(Optional, but strongly encouraged) - Showcase ability in jazz/commercial music. This can take the form of preparing a lead trumpet part from a swing, funk, Latin/salsa chart, and/or improvising over a bules, rhythm changes, or other standard tune(s).
- One piece from the classical trumpet repertoire (i.e. a solo, etude or movement from a concerto or sonata) that demonstrates an understanding of classical trumpet tone, phrasing, and style.
- Major scales. Additional scales are encouraged if prepared. (you may submit these with your audition videos, but may be asked to play again during your interview with the Jazz faculty)
- Chromatic scale from lowest to highest notes.
- Solo transcription, or jazz etude (in swing, funk or Latin/salsa styles).
- Play the melody and improvise over one jazz standard and medium tempo blues of choice. Be prepared to improvise for several choruses.
- Possible jazz standards options (but not limited to these): There Will Never Be Another You, Autumn Leaves, It Could Happen to You, Recorda-me, All the Things You Are, But Not for Me, Blue Bossa, All of Me, Four etc.
- Applicants must provide their own accompaniment! Play-alongs or good quality accompaniment tracks are acceptable.
- Sight-Reading
- ( Optional but encouraged): Demonstrate lead playing ability by preparing two contrasting excerpts.
Feel free to reach out to Dr. Robert Sears ( robert.sears@mail.wvu.edu ) with any questions about musical selections.