Under the direction of Mr. Scott Weinhold, the McLean Jazz Ensemble performs regularly at school functions, music festivals, competitions, and local venues upon request. Students participate in a well-rounded curriculum with exposure to the music of the classic big band era as well as contemporary pieces. 

The McLean Jazz Ensemble has shared the stage with premier professional military groups including The United States Air Force Airmen of Note, The United States Army Band Army Blues, The United States Army Jazz Ambassadors, and The United States Navy Commodores. For three years, the ensemble has placed First in Class at Fiextaval in Myrtle Beach, SC, Heritage Worldstrides Music Fextival in Boston, MA, and Orlandofest in Orlando, FL. Locally the group has placed in the top three at the Chantilly Annual Jazz Invitational in 2003, 2007, 2008, and 2012.

McLean Jazz Auditions 2022

NOW is your chance to become part of the McLean Jazz program! ALL students who are interested should do it! No experience required and we have a place for everybody, regardless of instrument!

Questions: As you review this material, please feel free to reach out to Mr. Weinhold (shweinhold@fcps.edu) or Mr. Weise (cmweise@fcps.edu).

Ensembles: We have two potential ensembles for your participation:

1. Jazz Ensemble (advanced):

Students are placed into this group by audition.  Students in the class must also be enrolled in either the Symphonic Band, Percussion Techniques, or have permission from Mr.Weise.  Students must also be enrolled in a Band Class that meets during the school day if they play a Band instrument.  This class meets after school hours only.  Advanced jazz ensemble literature and techniques will be explored.  There will also be an introduction to improvisation for all students.  This class is graded, goes on your transcript as a 9th period, and does not take time from your daily school day schedule.  This class will meet approximately 4-5 hours per week, just like any other class that happens during the school day.  Therefore, attendance is required at all rehearsals.  Please plan your extracurricular activities, lessons, and sports schedule accordingly.

1. Jazz Workshop (beginning to intermediate):

Students are placed into this group by audition.  Students must also be enrolled in a Band Class that meets during the school day if they play a Band instrument.  Beginning to intermediate jazz ensemble literature and techniques will be explored.  There will also be an introduction to improvisation for all students.  This ensemble is meant to serve as a training group for students to gain experience in order to move into the advanced Jazz Ensemble during their time in high school.  This class is graded, goes on your transcript as a 9th period, and does not take time from your daily school day schedule.  This group will be made up only of high school students.

Class Fee: Students who are accepted to participate in Jazz at McLean will be responsible for paying the class fees below.

Jazz Band Course Materials Fee ($100 –due date TBD): This fee is similar to fees paid for certain other FCPS classes.  It covers consumable materials related to the course.  Examples of consumable materials include instrument accessories, music, and food during instructional activities. Jazz Band is an FCPS course, in accordance with FCPS Notice 5922 (Concert Band), where students receive credit and a grade for the class.  If fees collected exceed the costs incurred for all consumable materials, any excess fees, not to exceed $25, which is 25% of the total fee, will be set aside in an FCPS reserve account to fund future purchases of band uniforms. Surplus fees will be refunded if the money collected exceeds the cost of the consumable materials related to the course. 

Uniform Accessories (amount varies- due date TBD):  Students are responsible for purchasing and maintaining their Jazz Band shirt.

Rehearsal/Class Schedules:

Jazz Ensemble - Tuesdays 6:00pm-9:00pm and Thursdays 4:00-6:00pm

Jazz Workshop - Fridays 3:15pm-4:45pm

School Sports Policy: MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO ADHERE TO THIS BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO AUDITION!

Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Workshop are classes. Sports are extra-curricular.

1. Jazz rehearsal takes priority over sports practice.

2. Sports games/matches take priority over band rehearsal.

3. Concerts take priority over practices and games/matches.

4. Tournament play MAY take priority over concerts.  See Mr. Weinhold in this occurrence.

5. Fundraising activities may take priority over practices and games/matches.  See Mr. Weinhold in this occurrence.

That being said, efforts can be made to arrange compromises.  This happens with early COMMUNICATION with Mr. Weinhold.

Audition Date: Tuesday, October 25 - afternoon/evening. Students will sign up for a time slot and audition in person. More info on this as we get closer.

Instrumental Audition Material:

Download parts: HERE

Flute Part

1. “Moten Swing”

1. Pick part you are most comfortable playing

1. Reeds: letters E to F, H to end

1. Clarinets read Tenor Sax

2. Flutes read Trumpet 1 (see below for cuts)

2. Trombones: letter D to F, G to end

3. Trumpets: Letter D to F, J to end

4. Rhythm: beginning to G

2. Recording link: Moten Swing (2003 Remaster)

2. Improvisation (Optional)

1. 12 Bar Blues in Bb - at least 2 choruses

2. Playalong track: Bb Blues (110bpm) : Backing track

Vocal Audition Material:

Sing the song Autumn Leaves

• Find a recording you like and try to imitate

• Do not sing rhythms as written (stylize them)

• Sing in any key you like (must be able to tell me what key)

Examples:

Nat King Cole

Frank Sinatra