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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 2026–2027 school year are on Wednesday, January 7 from 4:00–6:00 p.m. (snow date: January 14).
Registration is required for Music Department Auditions. Students must sign in and will be seen in the order they arrive. Be sure to bring your instrument and music to your audition. Pianos, amps and percussion instruments will be provided on site. Warm-up space will also 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. Russell 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.
Audition requirements
Auditions are open to incoming music students in all grade levels for the 2026-2027 school year.
You should audition if you are interested in being a member of a specialty ensemble: Jazz Band, Rock Band, or either of our two a cappella choirs (Bella Voce & Patriettes). You should audition if you are interested in being placed in an advanced major music ensemble: Advanced Band/Percussion Ensemble, Advanced Orchestra, Advanced Chorus.
You do not need to audition if you are interested in registering for any regular-level major music ensemble: Band/Percussion Ensemble, Orchestra, Chorus. To be a member of the Band/Percussion Ensemble, Orchestra or Chorus, simply select these electives when registering for classes.
Ensembles
*Indicates an advanced ensemble
Bella Voce
Mixed a cappella group – SAB; half-credit, year-long class (meets after school B, D, F, H days, 2:55–3:40 p.m.)
Prepare a short segment of any song of your choice – preferably in the pop, jazz or musical theatre style. Be prepared to sing your song a cappella (without accompaniment). Additionally, students should expect to be taught a small excerpt of music to be sung along with current Bella Voce members.
Patriettes
Treble a cappella group – SSA; half-credit, year-long class (meets after school A, C, E, G days, 2:55–3:40 p.m.)
Prepare a short segment of any song of your choice — preferably in the pop, jazz or musical theatre style. Be prepared to sing your song a cappella (without accompaniment). Additionally, students should expect to be taught a small excerpt of music to be sung along with current Patriettes members.
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.)
There are no openings in the Rock Band for the 2026–2027 school year. No Rock Band auditions will be held in January 2026. We look forward to resuming auditions in January 2027 for the 2027–2028 school year!
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. 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. (Note: your audition may be audio/video recorded.)
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.
