OkCDA HS Jazz Past Repertoire – Updated Oct 2022

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Application Information

Click here for Jazz Application (Will be updated soon)

**Before filling out the above form, please have your current ACDA membership and a copy of the PO in PDF format.** 

**Entries will not be scheduled until digital downloads are purchased.**

Checks need to be mailed to:
Ron Wallace
PO Box 2964
Edmond, OK 73083

Deadline and Fees

Entry Deadline – September 12, 2025
$20 per entry

Emergency Entries & Voice Change Requests – Starts September 13, 2025
$100 per entry/change
Emergency Entry Form

Request for Schedule Change Form

Audition Date

Jazz Auditions Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Site: Southern Nazarene University; Bethany

Audition Elements

The audition will consist of two elements:
1) Two cuts from two vocal jazz selections of contrasting style chosen by OkCDA board members; and
2) a 30-second vocal improvisation over a standard jazz form and chord progression. The first element will take place at each singer’s scheduled audition time, with the second following immediately afterward in a different room with different judges.

Updates to Vocal Improvisation Process:
Beginning in 2019, the improvisation format was revised; the exact form and set of chord progressions will change each year. Improv practice tracks will be available in a Google Drive folder. The improv audition track used in the improv room will be released publicly via email to all directors of students registered for the jazz audition two school days prior to the audition date. This will give students and directors time to prepare without the need for a ‘cut room.’

Suggested methods of preparation:
— Vocal Improvisation by Michele Weir
— Search “Jazz Backing Tracks” on YouTube
Improv Examples

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Judging Criteria

Voice Quality (15)
– Does the voice align with jazz style (i.e have minimal vibrato, use appropriate air/tone ratio, navigate all parts of the range well, etc.)?
Notes (20)
– Does the singer sing the correct notes?
Rhythm (20)
– Does the singer sing accurate rhythms?
Dynamics (10)
– Does the singer sing musically at both the macro and micro level (i.e sing with correct emphasis around the swing notes, accommodate large dynamic shifts, sing each line with direction and purpose)?
Diction (10)
– Does the singer sing the words and syllables written on the page? Does the singer use appropriate jazz articulation?
Intonation (10)
– Can the singer sing in tune? This includes fast lines, held notes, and improvisation.
Phrasing (5)
– Does the singer always sing with a sense of direction? Is the direction musically appropriate and stylistically interesting?
Jazz Style (10)
– Does the singer display vocal jazz ability? Does the singer perform with a sense of ease and confidence?
Improvisation (10 per judge)
– Can the singer create musical thoughts and phrases that are appropriate with the set of chord changes provided?

Jazz Ensemble Repertoire 2026

Please give Anchor Music and Kerry Marsh time to prepare their page for purchasing the audition music.

Amazing Grace – arr. Jeremy Fox
Anchor Music
Complete Chartpak, complete Chart, and Audition Cut excerpt are all available for purchase at www.anchormusic.com
Audition cut for Amazing Grace
Music begins m50
Start singing m52 beat 3
Sing through m76 beat 2

Holocene – arr. Kerry Marsh
Kerry Marsh Vocal Jazz and Beyond
Product Link (Learning Tracks)
Full Arrangement Link
Audition cut for Holocene
Music begins m55 beat 1
Start singing m55 beat 4
Sing through all of m87

Non-Audition Jazz Charts

You Turned the Tables on Me
Arr. Kelly Kunz

Love on Top (Treble Voices)
Arr. Amanda Taylor

Holding On (Lower Voices)
Arr. Amanda Taylor

6th selection TBD

Holly Sisk, HS Vocal Jazz Chair