Prepared Pieces:
- Sonnymoon for Two by Sonny Rollins
- Song for My Father by Horace Silver
Play the head once and improvise for one or two choruses. The backing track will be provided during your audition.
Chromatic Scale:
Play at least one octave and, if possible, the full range of your instrument.
Scales:
Be prepared to play any scale you’re comfortable with. You will be assessed on keeping a steady tempo and note accuracy.
Sightread:
Be prepared to sightread a short excerpt of a jazz chart (such as a lead sheet or excerpt) provided by the instructors at the audition.
Prepared Pieces:
- Sonnymoon for Two by Sonny Rollins
- Song for My Father by Horace Silver
Play the Melody and comp for one chorus and improvise one chorus. The backing track will be provided during your audition.
Scales and Chords:
Be prepared to play any scale and/or chords you’re comfortable with. You will be assessed on keeping a steady tempo and note accuracy.
Sightread: Be prepared to play the written notes/rhythms and chord changes if comfortable.
Prepared Pieces:
- Sonnymoon for Two by Sonny Rollins
- Song for My Father by Horace Silver
Play the melody for one chorus and improvise for one chorus. The backing track will be provided during your audition.
Scales:
Be prepared to play any scale you’re comfortable with. You will be assessed on keeping a steady tempo and note accuracy.
Sightread:
Be prepared to play the written notes/rhythms and the changes if comfortable.
Prepared Pieces:
- Sonnymoon for Two by Sonny Rollins
- Song for My Father by Horace Silver
Comp one chorus, improvise for one chorus, or trade 4s over two choruses.
Prepare these grooves:
Swing, Bossa Nova or Samba, Rock/Funk (see below)
Rudiments:
Be prepared to play any rudiments you’re comfortable with. You will be assessed on a steady tempo and accuracy.
Sightread:
Be prepared to play written notes/rhythms as provided by the instructors during auditions.
Song for my Father – Backing Tracks
YouTube – 4-Bar Introduction
A backing track version that includes a 4-bar count-in before the melody begins.
YouTube – No Introduction
This version has no introduction and is ready for immediate entry into the form.
Sonnymoon for Two – Backing Tracks
Slower Tempo – With Melody
Features the melody at a relaxed tempo, useful for learning phrasing and form.
Faster Tempo – No Melody
Higher tempo with no melody played, ideal for practicing improvisation.
Original Studio Recording - Listen on YouTube
This is the original Blue Note recording of Song for My Father by Horace Silver, featuring Kansas City native Carmell Jones on trumpet. You are encouraged to listen carefully and mimic the melody to develop phrasing and articulation.
Backing Tracks by Instrumentation
These tracks are ideal for practicing the head (melody) and improvisation. Each is tailored to a specific instrument group.
For All Wind Players
Backing Track – No Introduction
This version is for wind instruments and begins directly with the groove, with no count-in.
For Piano, Vibes, or Guitar
Backing Track – 4-Bar Introduction
Includes a 4-bar count-in before the melody. Ideal for players working on comping and improvisation.
For Bass
Backing Track – No Introduction
Use this track to practice walking bass lines and groove consistency.
For Drums
Backing Track – No Introduction
No count-in included.
Original Studio Recording - Listen on YouTube
This is the original recording of Sonnymoon for Two by Sonny Rollins. You do not need to play the breaks or stop-time. This is for familiarization with this classic song.
Backing Tracks by Instrumentation
All Winds Only
Backing Track – Medium Tempo (MM=125)
Designed for all wind instruments with moderate swing tempo.
Backing Track – Faster Version
A quicker version.
Piano, Vibes, and Guitar Only
Instrumental Backing Track
To practice comping and improvisation.
Bass Only
Drums Only
Drum Backing Track
Use this track to develop time and practice trading 4s
Video Example – Reading and Playing the Chart
A demonstration of how to follow the chart form. The melody is not played.
Who: High School and Advanced Middle School Instrumentalists
When: February 7, 2026, Starts at 1pm
Where: The Gem Theater
1615 E 18th Street, KCMO 64108
Dec. 7, 2025: Fall Showcase
Feb. 7, 2026: Spring Session Begins
