Band

Savannah Arts Academy
Jazz Guitar and Jazz Bass Audition Requirements – 2026

Audition Overview
The Jazz Guitar and Jazz Bass audition consists of five parts: 1) Performance of Scales, 2) Jazz Etude Performance, 3) Improvisation, 4) Error Detection Test, and 5) Written Component. Please dress appropriately for your audition.

Part 1: Scales
Each candidate must perform the following scales in the GMEA All-State Jazz Ensemble format at quarter note = 132. Scales should be played as indicated on the official GMEA scale sheet:

• F Major Scale (2 octaves)
• G Mixolydian Scale (2 octaves)

Reference: https://www.gmea.org/asje-audition-information
Part 2: Jazz Etude Performance
Perform the assigned jazz etude WITH playback at the audition.
Sheet music:

• Jazz Guitar https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U9eqVtX6I_SXEc7r1650_k8DAAKfxpD-/view?usp=sharing
• Jazz Bass https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wk3fXInG99WumfHlZtKJ9gPLKl9vbndM/view?usp=sharing

Practice audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBnLztKJfBA

Part 3: Improvisation

• Guitar: Improvise two choruses over an F Blues progression using the provided backing track.
• Bass: Improvise a bass line for two choruses over the same progression.

Part 4: Error Detection Test
This test will be administered electronically on-site.

Part 5: Written Component
Bring a printed repertoire list to your audition. The list must:

• Be in 12-point font
• Include your name and date at the top
• List any method books (title and level) and pieces studied (composer’s full name and title)
•  Include movement numbers for multi-movement works
• Include pieces performed and studied

Extra Pointers

• Read all parts carefully; completion of each affects your score.
• Dress appropriately for a performance audition.
• If you have questions, consult your private teacher or call SAA for clarification.

 

Jazz Guitar and Bass Audition

For Jazz Guitar and Bass may receive a score of 44 points

Scales	Points Available
F Concert Scale (2 octaves)	4
G mixolydian scale (2 octaves)	4
Prepared Etude	Points Available
Note Accuracy	4
Rhythmic Accuracy	4
Style/Articulation	4
Tempo/Pulse	4
Phrasing/Dynamics	4
Blues Improvisation	Points Available
Harmonic Structure	4
Time/Pulse	4
Technique/Range	4
Style/Articulation	4

 

Band Jazz Guitar and Bass Audition Requirements and Rubric PDF Link

Savannah Arts Academy
Percussion 2026 Audition Requirements

Audition Overview
The Percussion audition consists of Three Parts. Part 1 is your performance of scales and etudes on snare drum, timpani, and keyboard/mallet instruments. Part 2 is an error detection test. Part 3 includes written guidelines and transparency notes. Please dress appropriately for your audition. Material can be found at the GMEA website: www.gmea.org. Candidates must bring their own sticks; snare drum, xylophone, and timpani will be provided. Students will audition for two/three judges and the band director. Scoring areas include Rhythmic Accuracy, Dynamic Contrast, Technique, Note Accuracy, and Tempo.

Part 1: Performance
Candidates will perform the following:

• Keyboard/Mallet Scales: Concert G (2 octaves), Concert Gb (2 octaves) in GMEA All-State format at QN = 132.
• Snare Drum: Current All-State Etude for applicant’s grade level (MS, CB*, SB*).
• Timpani: Current All-State Etude for applicant’s grade level (MS, CB*, SB*).
• Refer to www.gmea.org under Band → All-State Band → Audition Information → Concert Band Scales and Etudes.

*CB = 9-10 grade; SB = 11-12 grade

Part 2: Error Detection
An error detection test will be administered electronically.

Part 3: Written
SAA Audition for Band Guidelines:

• The audition should be completely transparent with all rules, processes, and outcomes known to all stakeholders.
• Instrumentation needs of the freshman class will be formulated by the band director based on Grade IV literature and GMEA LGPE Performance list.
• Audition material will align with GMEA All-State requirements and reflect what students have worked on throughout the year.
• Auditions will be judged by a panel of 2/3 adjudicators and the band director; adjudicators are professional musicians with no personal interest.
• Instruments will NOT be provided except for snare, timpani, and marimba/xylophone. Students should bring all necessary materials.

Extra Pointers

• Carefully read each part of the audition process above, as the completion of each part will affect your score.
• Dress appropriately for a performance audition.
• Bring your own sticks and any required materials.
• Check www.gmea.org for the latest audition requirements and etude details.

 

Percussion Audition (to be played snare-mallets-timpany

Category	Points Available
G Concert Scale	4
Gb Concert Scale	4

 

Timpani Etude

Category	Points Available
Technique	4
Rhythmic Accuracy	4
Dynamics/Phrasing	4
Interpretation/Tempo	4

 

Band Percussion Audition Requirements and Rubric PDF Link

Savannah Arts Academy
Winds 2026 Audition Requirements

Audition Overview
The Winds audition consists of Three Parts. Part 1 is your performance of scales and the technical portion of the GMEA All-State Etude. Part 2 is an error detection test. Part 3 includes written guidelines and transparency notes. Please dress appropriately for your audition. Material can be found at the GMEA website: www.gmea.org. Candidates must bring their own instrument and equipment. Students will audition for two/three judges and the band director. Scoring areas include Tone, Technique, Rhythmic Accuracy, Articulation, Style, Phrasing, Dynamic Contrast, Interpretation, and Tempo.

Part 1: Performance
Candidates will perform the following:
Scales - All scales should be played in the GMEA All-State format at QN = 132. Refer to www.gmea.org under Band → All-State Band → Audition Information → Concert Band Scales and Etudes.

• Flute - 2 octave G and Gb
• Oboe - 1 octave G and Gb
• Clarinet (all) - 2 octave A and Ab
• Bassoon - 2 octave G and Gb
• Saxophone - 2 octave E and Eb
• Trumpet - 2 octave A and Ab
• French Horn - 1 octave D and Db
• Trombone - 2 octave G and Gb
• Euphonium - 2 octave G and Gb
• Tuba - 2 octave G and Gb

Technical portion (2nd Half) of the GMEA All-State Etude for the student’s current grade level. Students should prepare material as close to the marked tempo as possible. Students MAY be asked by the panel to play only a section of the etude if deemed necessary by the Director.

Part 2: Error Detection
An error detection test will be administered electronically.

Part 3: Written
SAA Audition for Band Guidelines:

• The audition should be completely transparent with all rules, processes, and outcomes known to all stakeholders.
• Instrumentation needs of the freshman class will be formulated by the band director based on Grade IV literature and GMEA LGPE Performance list.
• Audition material will align with GMEA All-State requirements and reflect what students have worked on throughout the year.
• Auditions will be judged by a panel of 2/3 adjudicators and the band director; adjudicators are professional musicians with no personal interest.
• Instruments will NOT be provided except for snare, timpani, and marimba/xylophone. Students should bring all necessary materials.

Extra Pointers

• Carefully read each part of the audition process above, as the completion of each part will affect your score.
• Dress appropriately for a performance audition.
• Bring your own instrument and any required materials.
• Check www.gmea.org for the latest audition requirements and etude details

 

 

Part 1

G Concert Major Scale may receive a score of 10 points

G Concert Major Scale	Points Available
Technique/ Rhythm	5
Style/ Articulation	5

 

Gb Concert Major Scale may receive a score of 10 points

Gb Concert Major	Points Available
Technique/ Rhythm	5
Style/ Articulation	5

 

Etude may receive a score of 60 points

Etude	Points Available
Tone	5
Technique	5
Rhythmic Accuracy	5
Articulations	5
Dynamics/ Phrasing	5
Interpretation/ Tempo	5

 

Band Winds Audition Requirements and Rubric PDF Link