Jazz Ensemble
The SMHS Jazz Ensemble is for more advanced musicians who practice and perform renditions of jazz standards and contemporary covers in this equally fun and challenging course. There are several performance opportunities (larger and smaller ensembles, as well as solos), including Winter and Spring Concerts, and fan favorite, Jazz at Mateo. Collaborative, competent, and most definitely cool—that’s jazz at San Mateo High. Audition required for those new to Jazz—See below.
View/Download complete Jazz curriculum.
View/Download complete Jazz curriculum.
2026/27 Audition Information
Please read the Audition Instructions packet carefully for complete details on audition requirements and procedures: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m37L2eu3YnFaq-wWXA9MYcAuFwLchZC9MfrCcRZ40NA/edit?usp=sharing
Jazz Ensemble is a year-long VAPA course (UC “f” credit) and is an auditioned group. Current Jazz Ensemble members do not need to re-audition.
Students may audition in person or submit a video recording.
Audition Date (In Person):
Wednesday, March 25
3:00–5:00 PM
SMHS Music Building, Room M2
The deadline to submit a recorded audition is March 25. Recorded auditions should be uploaded to YouTube, link emailed to Mr. Abada ([email protected])
All students auditioning must complete the audition sign-up form (required for both live and video auditions):
https://forms.gle/ocLdkAzrCc4ymGbW9
Download Audition Materials:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fEHDqYyVvq5-sBrSurd5w8cP6RneLLOv?usp=sharing
Students should register for Jazz Ensemble during course registration to indicate interest. Final placement will be determined after auditions. Audition results will be released on this webpage no later than May 29, 2026.
Eligible Instruments:
Alto, Tenor, and Baritone Saxophone; Trumpet; Tenor & Bass Trombone; Piano; Guitar; Bass; Vibraphone; Drum Set.
Audition Requirements (Read the Audition Instructions packet for instrument-specific requirements)
Jazz Ensemble is a year-long VAPA course (UC “f” credit) and is an auditioned group. Current Jazz Ensemble members do not need to re-audition.
Students may audition in person or submit a video recording.
Audition Date (In Person):
Wednesday, March 25
3:00–5:00 PM
SMHS Music Building, Room M2
The deadline to submit a recorded audition is March 25. Recorded auditions should be uploaded to YouTube, link emailed to Mr. Abada ([email protected])
All students auditioning must complete the audition sign-up form (required for both live and video auditions):
https://forms.gle/ocLdkAzrCc4ymGbW9
Download Audition Materials:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fEHDqYyVvq5-sBrSurd5w8cP6RneLLOv?usp=sharing
Students should register for Jazz Ensemble during course registration to indicate interest. Final placement will be determined after auditions. Audition results will be released on this webpage no later than May 29, 2026.
Eligible Instruments:
Alto, Tenor, and Baritone Saxophone; Trumpet; Tenor & Bass Trombone; Piano; Guitar; Bass; Vibraphone; Drum Set.
Audition Requirements (Read the Audition Instructions packet for instrument-specific requirements)
- Prepared Etude #1 ("Swing")
- Improvisation: 12-bar blues in concert F (2–4 choruses) using the required backing track.
- Wind players only: Full-range chromatic scale (eighth notes at ♩ = 80 or faster)
