Good evening,
We are entering the last part of the school year and have some exciting dates coming up. At the bottom of this post is a list of upcoming dates. Please take a moment to write down whatever dates pertain to your student. Most of them apply to our 8th graders but there will be some that apply to all students.
Chair Test Results:
I am extremely proud of our students for all of their hard work! These chair tests were the best yet and every student showed tremendous growth from their test earlier this semester. I loved hearing our students perform individually and am always proud of their courage when performing by themselves. Congratulations to all students!
High School Marching Band Auditions:
Our 8th graders who are participating in band next year will need to audition to be placed in a class. The following seems like a lot of information but is actually incredibly similar to how we do our auditions at CJHS. Our students will be used to this method and will enjoy getting to get several takes rather than one take if we had done our auditions in person. Students will get a thorough explanation in class tomorrow over the following (copied from the high school band website):
Band Auditions
All videos turned in on time will earn an additional 30 points for submitting them on time.
Audition videos are due by April 29, 2020. All videos turned in on time will earn an additional 30 points for submitting them on time. Remember, your video does not have to be perfect. Record each take, and submit your best efforts by April 29. * Ms. Menendez will assist all 8th graders with submitting their videos. *
Please submit your audition here via an unlisted YouTube link using the following Google Form: Your recording should include:
1) 2 mins for scale test (3 points per scale)
2) chromatic scale (20 points plus bonus options)
3) etude (50 points)
4) quick study etude (50 points) – available on Sunday, April 26
You may record your videos as many times as you’d like. When you are finished, upload your videos to YouTube and set the listing as “Unlisted.” An unlisted video is only viewable if someone has the link to the video. Please title your video as follows: Audition section_First Name_Last Name. (ex., Scales_Alfonzo_Scruggs, Chromatic_Alfonzo_Scruggs, Etude_Alfonzo_Scruggs, Quick Study_Alfonzo_Scruggs).
Submit your video using the following Google Form. Once you have submitted your audition please join the appropriate Google Classroom:
Flute: gybdi55
Double Reeds: c7nztte
Clarinet: jfoc3k7
Alto Saxophone: vlqfhl2
Low Reed: flpujjv
Sousaphone: wdzrwp3
Percussion: bxp3z4z
Color Guard: prqlndk
Trumpet: erql6bl
Mellophone: 3mugrdt
Trombone: giruam6
Baritone: giruam6
Below, more detailed information about what to include in your videos:
2 mins scales test (Winds and Percussion):
Please perform as many major/minor scales as you can in 2 minutes. The scales do not have to be memorized. Students will receive a maximum of 3 points per octave that is performed correctly (1 point ascending, 1 point descending, and 1 point for the arpeggio.) Mistakes may be corrected but you only have 2 minutes to complete their scales. If time runs out in the middle of a scale, you may finish that scale for full credit but will be finished at the end of that scale. Articulation and rhythm does not matter for scales, but note accuracy is imperative. Keep in mind: your scale score is not limited by anything except time. You can really earn a lot of points in this category if you practice diligently. It is rare, but not unheard of for students to perform 12 major and 12 minor scales, 2 octaves in a 2 minute period. Are you up for the challenge?
Chromatic Scale (Winds and Percussion):
Students are encouraged to demonstrate their full range by performing their chromatic scale. The chromatic scale does not have to be memorized. GMEA has requirements for recommended ranges for students who are auditioning for district honor band. Their recommendation is a great starting goal. The scale should be performed in an even rhythm both ascending and descending. Points for the chromatic scale will be awarded as follows:
Perform the Junior High School required ranges for a total of 20 points
Flute: Low C to High F
Oboe: Low C to High C
Bassoon: Low Bb to High F
Soprano Clarinet: Low E to High D above High C
Bb Low Clarinet: Low E to High A Bb
Eb Contra Alto Clarinet: Low E to High A
Alto Sax: Low C to High D
Baritone Sax: Low C to High D
Tenor Sax: Low C to High D
Trumpet: Low F# to High G
French Horn: Low F to High F
Trombone: Low E to High F
Baritone (BC): Low E to High F
Baritone (TC): Low F# to High G
Tuba: Low E to High F
Percussion: Full range of the instrument
For each additional note added to the range students may earn an additional point for their Chromatic Scale.
Bonus points: There is no specified tempo, but the evaluator has the discretion to award up to 10 bonus points for performing the scale with quality tone in all registers, speed, and exceptional evenness of the performance.
Etude (Winds and Percussion):
Download and print off your etude by following the appropriate link below: Ms. Menendez will hand these out in class Tuesday the 13th.
alto sax
tenor sax/b. clarinet
bari sax
horn
trumpet/TC baritone
trombone
BC baritone
tuba
marimba
The etude will be graded based on all of the elements of music: tone, pitch, tempo, rhythm, technique, articulations, dynamics, musicality, expression, style, etc. A compelling performance of the etude can earn you 50 points. Be sure to pay attention to the time signature, tempo marking, and key signature.
Quick Study Etude (Winds and Percussion):
Unfortunately, this format does not allow us to test sight-reading, so we are following the All-State requirements, which included a quick study etude. Students will receive access to the etude on Sunday, April 26, 2021. This etude will be similar in length to previous sight-reading examples. The percussion quick study etude will be a snare drum etude.
REVIEW
Audition videos are due by April 29, 2020. Remember, your video does not have to be perfect. Record each take, and submit your best efforts by April 29.
All videos turned in on time will earn an additional 30 points for submitting them on time.
Please submit your audition here via an unlisted YouTube link using the following Google Form: Your recording should include:
1) 2 mins for scale test (3 points per scale)
2) chromatic scale (20 points plus bonus options)
3) etude (50 points)
4) quick study etude (50 points) – available on Sunday, April 26
You may record your videos as many times as you’d like. When you are finished, upload your videos to YouTube and set the listing as “Unlisted.” An unlisted video is only viewable if someone has the link to the video. Please title your video as follows: Audition section_First Name_Last Name. (ex., Scales_Alfonzo_Scruggs, Chromatic_Alfonzo_Scruggs, Etude_Alfonzo_Scruggs, Quick Study_Alfonzo_Scruggs).
Upcoming Schedule:ALL TIMES ARE AVAILABLE ON THE HIGH SCHOOL BAND CALENDAR LOCATED AT WWW.CHSTROJANBAND.COM
4/24 Solo and Ensemble
4/26, 4/27, 4/29, 4/30 Fall Color Guard Audition Camp
4/26 Quick Study Etude available
4/27 Marching Percussion Clinic
4/29 Wind and Percussion Virtual Auditions due
4/30 Marching Percussion Clinic
4/30-5/1 District Honor Band
5/11 Marching Percussion Clinic
5/13 Marching Percussion Clinic
5/17 7th Grade in school rehearsal (during 1st and 2nd block)
5/18 8th Grade in school rehearsal (during 5th and 6th block)
5/17-5/20 New Marcher Spring Training *For all Brass and Woodwind 8th graders interested in marching band next year*
5/17-5/20 Marching Percussion Auditions (Drum Camp)
5/20 Trojan Band Member and Parent Meeting *Informational meeting for all high school band members*
5/21 Marching Band Commitment Form Due
5/25 Spring Concert 6PM at Mabry Arts Center. Shared with high school band. CJHS @6PM and CHS @7PM.
Summer Dates for high school marching band members:
7/3 Parade Practice for high school marching band
7/4 Carrollton 4th of July Parade
7/19 – 7.23 Band Camp 8:00AM – 9:00PM
7/26 – 7.30 Band Camp 1:00PM – 9:00PM
We like to communicate far ahead so that you all can plan accordingly. We are excited for our incoming 9th grade band members and cannot wait to continue making music with them.
Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at maria.menendez@carrolltoncityschools.net
Sincerely,
Ms. Menendez
cjhstrojanband 