The Conservatory Ensembles are open to students in grades 9-12 based on audition and/or acceptance into the GMEA or SCBDA Region II or District X Honor Band. The Conservatory Ensembles will perform fun and challenging music that gives students a true honor band experience.
Wycliffe Gordon
Jazz Journalists Association named him 2020 “Trombonist of the Year” for the record breaking 13th time, and he’s topped Downbeat Critics Poll for “Best Trombone” again for an unprecedented six times (2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2013 & 2012). Last year he was the recipient of the “Louie Award”, the International Trombone Award and the Satchmo Award, among others. Wycliffe is a prolific recording artist and is extremely popular for his unmatched signature sound, plunger technique and unique vocals. He can be heard on hundreds of recordings, soundtracks, live DVD’s and documentaries. In addition to an exceptionally successful solo career, Gordon tours regularly leading his quintet, headlining at legendary jazz venues and performing arts centers throughout the world. He is commissioned frequently, and has an extensive catalog of original compositions that span the various timbres of jazz and chamber music. Musicians and ensembles of every caliber perform his music throughout the world and his arrangement of the theme song to NPR’s “All Things Considered” is heard daily across the globe. Gordon is a former veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and has been a featured guest artist on Billy Taylor's "Jazz at the Kennedy Center" Series. Gordon is also one of America’s most persuasive and committed music educators, and serves as Director of Jazz Studies at Augusta University in Augusta, GA. Wycliffe Gordon is a Yamaha Performing Artist and has his own line of Wycliffe Gordon Pro Signature Mouthpieces by Pickett Brass. www.wycliffegordon.com
$120.00 for the semester.
Thank you for your interest in auditioning for the Augusta University Conservatory Wind Symphony! This group is the premiere youth wind ensemble in the Central Savannah River Area, comprised of highly motivated individuals who want to challenge their musicianship through performing collegiate-level repertoire.
Everyone interested in the Conservatory Wind Symphony will submit an audition video. If you have previously been in the Wind Symphony and/or have previous honor band experience (District, Region, All-State), you are automatically in the ensemble and your audition video recording will serve for part assignments. If you are not a previous member or do not have previous honor band experience, you may submit a video recording to audition for the group. For the audition video, you will record and submit the following:
1) Two major scales of your choice, ascending and descending, in rhythmic pattern below.
Minimum tempo, M.M=120. Play as many complete octaves as you are able.
2) Full range chromatic scale in eighth notes, ascending only.
Minimum tempo, M.M=120 from lowest to highest pitch you comfortably sound.
3) One complete etude, either lyrical or technical. You can use your District/All-State etude.
Video audition due dates will be announced soon!
$105.00 for the semester.
Rehearsal Information: Dates and times will be announced soon!
*Please note that in order to participate, attendance is mandatory for all of the rehearsals and the performance. Conflicts with your school band (such as district or all-state band) are excused.
