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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Yale Jazz Ensemble?
The swingingest hep cats this side of the greater New Haven metropolitan area. The Yale Jazz Ensemble is a standard big band made up of 18 musicians (5 saxes, 5 trombones, 5 trumpets, piano, guitar, bass, drums). The group gives two formal concerts a year but plays any number of other engagements on or off-campus.

How does one audition for the Jazz Ensemble?
Auditions for the Yale Jazz Ensemble will be held in the Band Room, 301 Hendrie Hall, 165 Elm Street, early in the first semester. Auditions will include a prepared excerpt (available approximately a week before auditions), sightreading, an improvised solo in the key of your choice, and an optional prepared piece. The Yale Bands has some instruments available for rental for those of you who do not have your own. Call us if you have any questions about auditions (203) 432-4111, and please attend the Yale Bands informational in early September.

What kind of time commitment is involved?
The Yale Jazz Ensemble rehearses two hours per week every Monday night from 7-9:30. The ensemble performs two concerts per year at Yale's Sprague Hall and performs a few other off- and on-campus concerts. The Yale Bands as a whole also sponsors a variety of extramusical social events at which all Jazz Ensemble members are welcome.

What type of music does the YJE play?
The Yale Jazz Ensemble plays almost anything composed for big band, although it does specialize in the charts that swing the most. The repertoire for a standard concert might include an early Duke Ellington chart, a Count Basie tune, a newer piece by Toshiko Akiyoshi, a Stan Kenton-style latin chart, and a 70's funk-fusion piece. The group has also been known to read original compositions by its members.

Who is the director of the YJE?
David Brandenburg, himself a Yale Bands alum.

What else does the Yale jazz scene have to offer?
For a starter, unsuccessful auditionees are put in touch in order to form small ensembles of their own. There are many different smaller jazz groups at Yale, ranging in specialties from standards to funk to free jazz, some of which have members in the YJE, and some of which do not. Some say there is a student organization for every student at Yale, and it's usually difficult to find a weekend without some type of musical performance. Yale also attracts a wealth of professional musicians throughout the year, including Dave Brubeck, Elvin Jones, and the late Tito Puente, among others.

How do I get involved in the Yale Jazz Ensemble?
The Yale Bands will have an informational meeting in early September in 301 Hendrie Hall. At this meeting, audition dates will be set up and information about audition materials will be distributed. We hope to see you there!

How can I learn more about the YJE?
Contact Stephanie Hubbard, the Yale Bands manager, via email at stephanie.hubbard@yale.edu or by phone at (203) 432-4111. Also, feel free to contact the Yale Bands' Officers with any questions you may have.

Still have questions?
Send an e-mail to Kevin Green and Jonathan Hartman, the YJE Managers, or to Rita Alway, Yale Bands President, with any additional questions you may have.