JAZZ BANDS AND COMBOS
AUDITION INFORMATIONAuditions for Centre Dimensions, Inner Dimensions, Outer Dimensions, and jazz combos occur during the first two days of classes each semester. The auditions are organized according to instrument, and a schedule is posted on the bulletin board outside 105 Music II. Auditions consist of sight reading, ballad interpretation, scales, and optional improvisation. There is not a prepared piece required.
CENTRE DIMENSIONS
Centre Dimensions, the premier twenty-piece jazz ensemble at Penn State, performs frequently on campus and tours throughout Pennsylvania and the East. In addition, Centre Dimensions performs and works with several internationally-known artists each year. Previous guests have included Cyrus Chesnut (piano), Bob Mintzer (sax), Wycliffe Gordon (trombone), George Rabbai (trumpet, vocals), Frank Morgan (sax), Lynn Seaton (bass), and John Riley (drums). They perform a challenging repertoire of modern and classic jazz, as well as originals written by the director. This highly selective ensemble is open to undergraduate and graduate students in all majors, by audition on the first day of the semester.
INNER DIMENSIONS
Inner Dimensions is a select jazz ensemble that also performs 2-3 concerts per semester on- and off-campus, including featured performances at High School jazz festivals in Central PA. They perform a broad repertoire of large ensemble jazz music, which includes classic works from the bands of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton to more contemporary works by Maria Schneider, Bob Brookmeyer, and those written by the director. Like all jazz ensembles, Inner Dimensions is open to undergraduate and graduate students in all majors, by audition on the first day of the semester.
OUTER DIMENSIONS
The Outer Dimensions jazz ensemble performs two concerts per semester, including appearances at the annual fall concert in the HUB Alumni Ballroom and the Penn State Jazz Festival every spring. Their repertoire also includes classics from the 40s-70s, as well as many contemporary works. Outer Dimensions is also open to all undergraduate and graduate students at Penn State, by audition on the first day of the semester.
JAZZ COMBOS
These selective small jazz ensembles (4 to 7 members) peform three times per semester on- and off-campus. There are typically 5 or 6 combos which are formed by the directors, based on the current improvisational abilities of the musicians. The most advanced combo often performs additional engagements off campus. Jazz combos are open to all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of major, by audition. Unlike the big bands, the combos are open to improvising students on all instruments.