Auditions

The band is accepting auditions for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year. This year highlights include collaborations with:

  • Josephine Davies for the Cambridge Jazz Festival

  • Ed Puddick in Cambridge and at London’s Pizza Express Live Soho.

  • Performances with Oxford University Jazz Orchestra at the Schwarzman Hall, Oxford and Durham University Big Band in Cambridge

Auditions will be taking place on Saturday 10 October 11AM-9PM and Sunday 11 October 2-9PM in the Faculty of Music, West Road Concert Hall, CB3 9DP

Book an audition slot here.

CUJO is particularly seeking:

  • All vocalists

  • Trumpets*

  • Trombones

  • Bass trombones*

  • Alto saxes*

  • Tenor saxes*

  • Bari saxes*

  • Keys

  • Aux percussion – please note we are NOT auditioning for kit.

*We strongly encourage players who double to audition, especially saxophonists who jointly play clarinet, bass clarinet, flute or soprano sax, but we also welcome other doubles, such as flugelhorn and tuba. However, these instruments cannot be your primary instrument to be a permanent band member this year.

Audition Details

  • Each audition should take around 10-15 minutes.

  • Horn players and vocalists will be asked to perform a jazz standard of your choice from the real book. The standard serves to showcase your artistry and improvisational skills. Please bring your own iReal or Youtube backing tracks. You will also be asked to sight read a short extract from our current repertoire.

  • CUJO are able to provide copies of iReal backing tracks. Please email them: cambridgeunijazzorchestra@gmail.com

  • Here is some guidance for structuring your chosen standard:

    • Head

    • Aim for 2-3 choruses of improvisation

    • Head again to finish

  • Rhythm Section players will be asked to bring a song of your choice under 5 minutes. This song should showcase your artistry and improvisational skills.

  • For vocalists, please come with a backing track or feel free to sing acapella. You will also be asked to sight read a short extract from our current repertoire.

If you have any questions please email cambridgeunijazzorchestra@gmail.com, or message our Instagram – @cujo_bigband