The 2026 Wyoming All-State Vocal Jazz auditions are due by midnight on November 21st. 

2025-26 WY All-State
INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ AUDITION Materials

We are using a new format for our instrumental audition materials. After discussion and review by the WJE Executive Board, WJE has decided to utilize a set of jazz audition etudes Dr. Eric Richards was commissioned to write by the Nebraska Music Educators Association.  He is sharing these etudes at no cost to WJE/WMEA.

There are two etudes in alternating styles for each year, much like the All-state Band Etudes. In addition to assessing performance aptitude, each etude was also written as a traditional “teaching etude” intended to improve a specific jazz performance technique. Each etude contains a notated passage and an optional improvisation passage. While the improvisation is optional, it is highly recommended that the student attempt to improvise on the audition recording. Rest assured that any recorded improvisations will be assessed with a “student-friendly” perspective!

This year’s etudes are designated as SET D and are comprised of:

  • ETUDE D1 - 2nd LINE
  • ETUDE D2 - BOSSA


Each audition etude package has three components for the student:

  1. A PDF of the etude
  2. A recorded example of the etude
  3. A playalong track for practice and the audition

Each student should submit TWO MP3s (with the exception of Lead Trumpet [1 etudes] &

Auxiliary Percussion/Vibes [1 etude]):

  • 1 for ETUDE D1 - 2nd LINE
  • 1 for ETUDE D2 - BOSSA


The instrumentation for each etude is:

  • ETUDE D1 - 2nd LINE
    • Alto Sax
    • Tenor Sax
    • Baritone Sax
    • Lead Trumpet (optional)*
      • *Trumpet auditionees wishing to be considered for this chair should also record the Lead Trumpet D1 - 2nd LINE etude for a total of three submitted recordings.
    • Trumpet
    • Tenor Trombone
    • Bass Trombone
    • Guitar
    • Piano
    • Bass
    • Vibes
    • Drum Set

  • ETUDE D2 - BOSSA
    • Alto Sax
    • Tenor Sax
    • Baritone Sax
    • Trumpet
    • Tenor Trombone
    • Bass Trombone
    • Guitar
    • Piano
    • Bass
    • Vibes
    • Drum Set
    • Auxiliary Percussion (Congas)

Here are download links for a Zipped folder of materials for all etudes for each instrument:
Clicking these buttons will automatically send the files to your DOWNLOADS folder:

​Thanks in advance for your mentoring of our students preparing for this exciting event!

Please reach out if I may be of any help or clarification.

Steve Oakley
Director of Bands 
Campbell County High School