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Elevating education through musical expression
At The John Carroll School, we help students develop their unique musical potential, provide abundant and diverse opportunities for group and individualized music learning, and cultivate a safe, respectful, inter-culturally responsive and stimulating environment that supports student development.
Department Chair
Join an ensemble
Auditions for the 2025–2026 school year are on January 8, 2025.
Registration is required for Music Department auditions. Please arrive within the scheduled audition time between 4:00–6:00 p.m. Students will sign in and be seen in the order they arrive. Be sure to bring your instrument and music with you. Pianos, amps, percussion instruments and warm-up space will be provided. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Parrish for vocal auditions, Mrs. Novak for instrumental auditions and/or Mr. Russel for Rock Band auditions.
Concert Attire
Students who are in any of John Carroll's performing music ensembles (except Rock Band) should purchase the required attire via the link below. Be sure to submit your order form to Mrs. Parrish in addition to paying through the form linked below.
Ensembles
*Indicates that this is an Advanced Placement ensemble. There are no auditions required for students to register for Band, Percussion Ensemble, Orchestra or Chorus. Auditions are only for honors credit/advanced placement only.
Bella Voce
Mixed a cappella choir; half-credit, year-long class (meets after school B, D, F, H days, 2:55–3:40 p.m.)
Prepare one verse/refrain of a song that best showcases your voice. Song selection should be from the pop/jazz/Broadway genre and sung a cappella (without accompaniment.)
Patriettes
All-female a cappella choir; half-credit, year-long class (meets after school A, C, E, G days, 2:55–3:40 p.m.)
Prepare one verse/refrain of a song that best showcases your voice. Song selection should be from the pop/jazz/Broadway genre and should be sung a cappella (without accompaniment.)
Jazz Band
Jazz Band ensemble comprised of saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm (piano, bass, guitar, drums); half-credit, year-long class (meets after school A, C, E, G days, 2:55–3:40 p.m.)
Prepare a jazz solo/excerpt that best showcases your abilities. If you are currently playing in a Jazz Band, audition material can be from a piece you are currently rehearsing/performing. If preferred, you may prepare the audition excerpt provided. Prepare one memorized major scale that best showcases your range. A short sight-reading excerpt will also be provided. Audition material does not need to be memorized. You must provide a copy of your sheet music to auditor.
Rock Band
Guitar, bass, drums, vocals; half-credit, year-long class (meets after school B, D, F, H days, 2:55–3:40 p.m.)
Part I: Prepare one or two rock songs that are not mentioned in Part II. You should be able to play the song from start to finish. You may play along with a recording or solo. If you prefer to play along with the recording, please bring the song with you on a device with a standard ear bud headphone jack or bluetooth or send a link to the song to Mr. Russell at grussell@johncarroll.org prior to audition day.
Part II: Prepare one or more of the songs below to play along with the Rock Band members. In addition to auditioning for the instructor, you will play the song(s) with the current class members (“the band”). Use the link below as your guide for learning the song(s). You may also use the links to the class concerts to play along with the band prior to the audition. Please be as complete as possible when learning a song. Include fills, riffs, solos, etc. to play your part as accurately as you can. You may audition on more than one instrument. The Rock Band is comprised of vocals, guitar, bass, keyboard and drums. Please contact Mr. Russell to inquire about auditioning on other instruments. The Rock Band does not use sheet music, so you should try to memorize the songs you play in the audition. However, you may use sheet music or other written notes during the audition.
Advanced Band*
Prepare a solo/excerpt that best showcases your abilities; this can be from an etude or method book for your instrument. If preferred, you may prepare the audition excerpt, provided. Prepare the following scales: Bb, F, C, Eb (concert pitch, quarter notes). A short sight-reading excerpt will also be provided. Audition material does not need to be memorized. You must provide a copy of your sheet music to auditor.
Advanced Percussion Ensemble*
Prepare a solo/excerpt that best showcases your abilities; this can be from an etude or method book for your instrument. If preferred, you may prepare the audition excerpt, provided. Percussionists should prepare BOTH mallets and snare. Prepare the following scales: Bb, F, C, Eb (concert pitch, quarter notes). A short sight-reading excerpt will also be provided. Audition material does not need to be memorized. You must provide a copy of your sheet music to auditor.
Advanced Orchestra*
Prepare a solo/excerpt that best showcases your abilities; this can be from an etude or method book for your instrument. If preferred, you may prepare the audition excerpt, provided. Prepare the following scales: D, G, C, F (at least one octave, quarter notes). A short sight-reading excerpt will also be provided. Audition material does not need to be memorized. You must provide a copy of your sheet music to auditor.
Advanced Chorus*
Prepare a solo that showcases your voice in a manner that is appropriate for choral singing (tone, pure vowels, proper breathing, etc.); Song selection should be classical, art song, or standard/classical Broadway ballad. Accompanist will be provided (note: your audition may be audio/video recorded). You may bring your own accompanist or recorded accompaniment if you prefer. A short sight-reading excerpt will also be provided. Audition material does not need to be memorized. You must provide a copy of your sheet music to auditor.
Interest Survey
Prospective John Carroll musicians should complete the interest form below. After you submit, you will receive more tailored information about Music at The John Carroll School.
Co-curricular experiences
Marching Band
Comprised of all Concert Band members and open to other student musicians/twirlers/dancers who wish to participate in marching season only. While Marching Band is considered a co-curricular ensemble, participation with the Marching Band is a required element of Concert Band and has an impact on students’ Concert Band grades. Marching Band performs at all John Carroll home Varsity Football games as well as several local parades.
Pit Orchestra
Provides musical accompaniment for each of the School's two musical theatre productions. Opportunity is limited by the varying instrumentation needs of each show. Members will be selected/approved by director based on need and playing ability. Members must be able to commit to playing every scheduled performance and be available to rehearse after school and some evenings.
Music Ministry
Comprised of all Chorus members plus any student with interests in performing at school-wide mass celebrations. Vocalists and instrumentalists welcome!
Scholarship for musicians
If you are a music student, consider applying for the Presidential Scholarship. Here's how to apply:
- Audition for at least one ensemble or advanced music ensemble listed above.
- Submission a FADD application essay describing your interest in and commitment to the Performing Arts (one half page to one full page in length) for review.
- Submit an updated performance resume.
To submit your application, or to ask questions regarding the scholarship or the scholarship process, please contact Julie Parrish.
Fine Arts Diploma with Distinction
Students interested in pursuing the Performing Arts track while at The John Carroll School may elect to the take Band, Chorus or Orchestra in ninth grade. This will allow students the opportunity to expand their choices for the Performing Arts courses and graduate with a Fine Arts Diploma with Distinction with a Performing Arts Concentration upon completion of the program requirements.
