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:
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Three contrasting pieces of choice (i.e. solos, etudes, movements from concertos or sonatas, jazz standard highlighting improvisation ability, jazz transcription, lead trumpet part from a swing, funk, Latin/salsa chart). One piece must be from the classical trumpet repertoire. Jazz/commercial playing is strongly encouraged but not required.
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Suggested solos (but not limited to the following):
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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, Senee Concertino.
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Suggested etudes (but not limited to the following):
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Bordogni Melodious Etudes for Trumpet, Charlier 36 Études Transcendantes, Arban Characteristic Studies
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Suggested jazz tunes to showcase improvisation (but not limited to the following):**
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Standards - 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.
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Blues - Billie’s Bounce, Sandu, Things Ain’t What They Used to Be, Mr. P.C.
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Rhythm Changes - Oleo, Anthropology, Lester Leaps In.
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Chromatic scale from lowest to highest notes.
**Applicants must provide their own accompaniment. Play-alongs or good quality accompaniment tracks are acceptable.
Jazz Emphasis and Minor Requirements
- 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.