Conservatory Jazz Combos

with Dan Davis

NEW PROGRAM! Applications are closed

For Ages 16+ | Jazz Instrumentalists and Vocalists – Intermediate to Advanced

NEW THIS YEAR: Apply to join a Jazz Combo, where you’ll play authentic interpretations of jazz standards, modern tunes from the text “the Jazz Canvas,” and any original compositions by band members. You’ll strengthen your soloing and improvisation skills under the guidance of a professional musician.

Following live auditions on September 2, 2025, musicians applying to the full-year session will be placed into combos with others of similar strengths and abilities. Specific schedules will be determined at that time. Jazz Combos perform twice each year; additional performance opportunities may be offered throughout the year.

The summer session is a relaxed, jam-session atmosphere and a great opportunity for new members! Live auditions are not required for the summer session. Returning applicants can join the summer combo so long as there is space available. New applicants should include a link to an audition video with their application.

Conservatory Jazz Combos are a new program at the Winspear Centre which were previously held at the MacEwan Conservatory of Music.

Full Year Session Details

Full Year Jazz Combo is now in session and we are no longer accepting applications.

Summer Session Details

Summer Jazz Combo has now ended, please check back for future programs.

Eligibility

Jazz Combos are open to the following instruments:

Please note that while applications for all instruments are encouraged, openings may be limited. Jazz Combo musicians should be playing at an intermediate to advanced level on their instruments.

How to Apply

Submit the online Application Form. New applicants to the Summer Session will be asked to upload an audition video when submitting the form. New applicants to the Full Year Session will be invited to a live audition at the Winspear Centre.

Applications for Full Year and Summer Session are currently closed.

Audition Requirements

All applicants should have at least 2 years of experience playing their instruments. Rhythm players must be able to read chord changes. Wind players must be able to read music.

Musicians who have participated in past sessions of Jazz Combos at the MacEwan Conservatory are not required to re-audition.

Requirements for Live Auditions (Full Year Sessions)

Wind Players (Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, etc)

• Prepare a solo or song in any style of your choice (preferably a jazz style)
• All 12 major scales, 1 octave
• Sight reading
• Solo on 12 bar blues in Bb (optional)

Bass (upright and/or electric)

• Prepare a jazz classic or standard song or solo in any jazz style of your choice
• Walk for 2 choruses minimum

Guitar and Piano

• Prepare a jazz classic or standard song or solo in any jazz style of your choice
• Comp for 2 choruses minimum (accompany with chords in appropriate rhythmic style)

Drums

Play in the following styles:

• Fast swing with sticks and brushes
• Medium swing with sticks and brushes
• Jazz waltz with sticks and brushes
• Bossa-nova, samba, afro-cuban 6/8

Vocals

Sing a song in each of the following styles:

• Ballad
• Medium tempo swing
• Up tempo swing

Requirements for Video Auditions (Summer Sessions)

The video audition should be approx. 2 minutes in length. In the video, the applicant may perform solo or with a recording. The preference is to play a jazz piece, but a classical piece will also be accepted.

Please use a platform such as YouTube or Google Drive. Do not make the video password protected or private.

Meet Your Director: Dan Davis

Dan Davis is a saxophonist and educator from Edmonton AB. He completed his Masters in Jazz Studies at the University of South Florida in 2009. He leads the Way Back Whens, a brand new trad-jazz band that to released their debut record “Live at the Yardbird Suite” in 2024. Dan is also a member of The Brasstactics, Canada’s loudest brass party band. In 2015 Dan’s composition “What Happens Next” received an Edmonton Music Award for Best Jazz Recording.

Dan has been fortunate enough to perform with Caity Gyorgy, Tommy Banks, Jim Head, Robi Botos, Joel Gray, Juno winners Mike Murley and Kevin Turcotte, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, the Edmonton Jazz Orchestra and the Glen Miller Orchestra.

Currently, Dan is the acting head of the wind department at MacEwan University, and an instructor at the Conservatory at the Winspear Centre for Music.