Ensembles
Music 53, Section 4228
Marisa Bradfield, Director
Vocal Jazz Golden Hour Ensemble
First Rehearsal: Fall 2026
Tuesday, September 1 | 6:45 - 9:45 p.m. | Room 115
Weekly Rehearsals: Fall 2026
SMC Performing Arts Center, Room 115
Tuesdays, 6:45 - 9:45 p.m.
September 1 to December 15
Fall Concert
The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage
Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday, November 18
Concert: Thursday, November 19, at 7:30 p.m.
Spring Concert
The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage
Dress Rehearsal: Thursday, May 27
Concert: Friday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m.
Golden Hour Auditions
(to be completed prior to the first rehearsal)
Golden Hour is an auditioned ensemble. Auditions assess vocal range, tone quality, pitch accuracy, pitch memory, sight-reading, and aural skills to determine a singer’s readiness for the group.
Because vocal jazz requires specialized musicianship, students may also be evaluated on rhythmic accuracy, jazz style, swing feel, improvisational potential, and the ability to blend within a small ensemble. Previous vocal jazz experience is helpful but not required.
Admission is based on a combination of vocal ability, music-reading skills, jazz aptitude, and commitment to the ensemble.
Requisite Skills
Beyond the abilities demonstrated in the audition, members of Vocal Jazz are expected to engage regularly with their music outside of scheduled rehearsals. This includes learning notes and rhythms, refining vocal technique, developing stylistic fluency in jazz, and preparing performances to a high artistic standard. As a performance-focused ensemble, Vocal Jazz may participate in concerts, festivals, conferences, competitions, recordings, and outreach events.
Music 53, Section 4168
Marisa Bradfield, Director
Vocal Jazz Seaside Swing Ensemble
First Rehearsal: Fall 2026
Thursday, September 3 | 6:45 - 9:45 p.m. | PAC 309
Weekly Rehearsals: Fall 2026
SMC Performing Arts Center, Room 309
Thursdays, 6:45 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.
September 3 to December 17
Fall Concert
The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage
Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday, November 18
Concert: Thursday, November 19, at 7:30 p.m.
Spring Concert
The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage
Dress Rehearsal: Thursday, May 27
Concert: Friday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m.
Seaside Swing Auditions
(to be completed prior to the first rehearsal)
Vocal Jazz requires a brief audition to assess vocal range, pitch accuracy, sight-reading skills, and aural (pitch recognition) ability. These evaluations help the director place singers in the section where they will be most successful and contribute most effectively to the ensemble.
Students who have recently auditioned for the director and whose voices have not changed may not need to re-audition. All other singers must complete an audition to be eligible for participation. The goal of the audition process is to ensure balanced ensemble placement and support each singer's continued musical growth.
Requisite Skills
Prior experience reading music is helpful but not required. Singers should be willing to develop their music-reading, sight-reading, and aural skills in order to keep pace with rehearsals and continue growing as musicians. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn are essential.
Students should be able to match pitch with reasonable accuracy and be prepared to practice music, rhythms, vocal techniques, and stylistic elements outside of rehearsal as needed. Individual practice requirements vary, but all members are expected to take responsibility for learning their music between rehearsals. Resources, coaching, and practice tools are provided to support student success throughout the semester.