The biennial Jazz Flute Big Band Audition will select a minimum of 18 players (sections consisting of C flute/double on piccolo (optional), alto, bass, and contrabass flutes) to perform with a rhythm section consisting of piano, bass, and drums at the 2025 NFA Convention in Atlanta. A select group of soloists will be chosen from the winning entrants to be featured on improvised solos for the performance. Entrants may play either piccolo, C flute, alto flute, or bass flute on their recordings. Audition repertoire should be played with a play-along recording (i.e., Aebersold, Band-in-a-Box, iRealb).
Players who have previously performed with the JFBB will automatically be invited to perform. However, everyone must submit an application and recording, for both placement and solo opportunities.
All entrants must submit their entry, upload recordings/supplemental materials, and pay competition and membership fees by 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time, Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Each piece should be uploaded as a separate file in the following order. All uploaded files must be audio recordings. No videos are allowed.
All JFBB applicants are required to play the “head” (e.g., melody) of each piece from the audition repertoire. Applicants will be judged on their jazz style (e.g., swing feel, Latin feel, jazz concept). A small amount of melodic and rhythmic freedom may be taken while playing the “head” of each tune, if it contributes stylistically to the performance, but please keep in mind that the judges will be listening for a certain degree of accuracy. While allowing for some freedom, as is typical in jazz, the judges will need to ascertain your ability to play a written part accurately.
Entrants auditioning on piccolo, alto, or bass flute may make musically informed decisions regarding octave adjustments within the phrasing and based on the player’s instrument. The entire melody or a single section could be taken up the octave if the player chooses. Unnecessary octave changes are discouraged.