1898 Jazz Orchestra

About the 1898 Jazz Orchestra

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia boasts one of the most impressive histories of both activity and activism in the American Jazz tradition of any single organization in existence. With members whose names dot the record books of Who’s Who in Jazz history, Sinfonia is proud to share its reach and mission to help advance the cause of all music in America – Jazz included.

Formed for the 2009 National Convention in Orlando, Florida, the 1898 Jazz Orchestra is Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia’s premiere big band. Organized by audition for the past four National Conventions, the band has since made a name for itself as one of the top ensembles of the Fraternity with its performances alongside some of the greatest names of the modern jazz age: Andy Martin, Wayne Bergeron, Jamey Aebersold, Gordon Goodwin.

We are excited to continue this tradition into the new era with an announcement and call for auditions for the 1898 Jazz Orchestra for the 57th National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri.

FEATURING GUEST PERFORMANCE BY

Eric Marienthal

EIGHT-TIME GRAMMY NOMINATED,
TWO-TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNING SAXOPHONIST

One of the most in-demand saxophone artists in the world, Eric has performed in over 75 different countries, recorded 14 solo CD’s and has played on hundreds of records, television shows, and films.

After starting his professional career in 1980 with famed New Orleans trumpeter Al Hirt, Eric Marienthal has gone on to perform with a list of artists that reads like a Who’s Who of musical heavyweights:

Elton John
B.B. King
Billy Joel
Stevie Wonder
Burt Bacharach
Aaron Neville
Johnny Mathis

This is YOUR CHANCE to play with a legend

GG-FullGroup_Photo_by_Joe_Meyer_DSC_5788_Flat

APPLICATION INFORMATION

First Rehearsal: 1:00 PM, Wednesday, July 20, 2022

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Open Auditions

Any Sinfonian, collegiate or alumni (in good standing), can audition for the 1898 Jazz Orchestra!

COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Applicant Profile Information

Name(Required)

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Audition Information

Please use the following performance skill level descriptions when answering the questions on this page:

Performance Level:

5 - Exemplary: I am recognized as an outstanding performer. I have performed or am capable of performing virtuosic solos on my instrument. My range and tone are on the level of professional performers. My musicianship is well above average, and as an ensemble participant, I believe I will be among the best on my instrument in a national-level ensemble.

4 - Very Good: I am recognized as a very good performer for both solo and ensemble work. I have performed or am capable of performing solo passages on my instrument. My range and tone meet the expectations for excellent performers. My musicianship is above average, and as an ensemble participant, I believe I will be well-suited for participation in a national-level ensemble.

3 - Good: I am respected as a good ensemble performer. I do not usually perform solos in ensembles, but my range and tone meet the expectations for good performers. My musicianship is above average, and as an ensemble participant, I believe I will be a good section performer in a national-level ensemble.

2 - Limited: I am proficient on this instrument and perform on it occasionally. If called upon to perform on this instrument, I am confident I can prepare all the parts for advanced big band music, but I would not be well-suited for exposed passages or solos.

1 - Proficient: I have basic proficiency on this instrument. If called upon to perform on this instrument, I feel I could prepare most of the parts for advanced big band music, but I would not be well-suited for exposed passages or solos.

Primary Instrument(Required)

Primary Instrument Self-Assessment(Required)

Are you auditioning on a secondary instrument?(Required)

Yes

Secondary Instrument(Required)

Secondary Instrument Self-Assessment(Required)

Saxophone Additional

Check any that apply

I am also proficient on soprano saxophone and can supply one if needed.

I am also proficient on soprano saxophone but do not have access to one.

I am also proficient on flute and can supply one if needed.

I am also proficient on flute but do not have access to one.

I am also proficient on clarinet and can supply one if needed.

I am also proficient on clarinet but do not have access to one.

Please note that Trumpet and Trombone players will be required to supply a full compliment of mutes as required by the selected music.

Are you auditioning for the lead trumpet or trombone part?(Required)

Yes

If necessary, will you be able to supply a flugelhorn for personal use?(Required)

Yes

Maybe

Audition Details

Website (URL) of Audition Video(Required)

Enter the complete link to you audition video as posted online. e.g.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFa4n_YfbjM
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/f549knzc9eg3jvb/AACdPY9KOKqRpTrKLhYlKOWia?dl=0
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZTT-nPXxJdXzxSfvTfUqGtGXpi3i7POL/view?usp=sharing

Upload Supporting Materials

Optional. You may upload any supporting materials for consideration here, including any additional performance examples you would like to showcase (describe below). Acceptable files include audio, document, and image files.

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Max. file size: 128 MB.

List any private instruction and/or performance & ensemble experience you've had in recent years.

Optional. For informational purposes only - ensemble performance and formal instruction are not requirements for selection.

Additional Comments/Questions

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Signature Confirmation(Required)

I understand that by accepting the position in the 1898 Sinfonia Jazz Orchestra, I give Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia permission to use my name, image, photos, and performances in any publication or recording for fraternity use. I understand that once committed I am expected to prepare the music and be in attendance for rehearsals and performances at the 2022 Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Convention in St. Louis. I furthermore understand that I must register for the Full Registration package for the National Convention in order to retain my spot in the ensemble. I also understand that I may be removed from the ensemble if I arrive late or unprepared for any rehearsal.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

1898 Jazz Orchestra​