Good evening!
Below is VERY important information about the upcoming audition for all 8th grade students. This allows us to place the students in the correct class for next year.
Special note: All 8th grade students must attend these auditions even if they are not continuing on with band next year. These results will be used to rank our 8th graders for their Spring concert. Hosting two auditions would be redundant and would not be a good use of our class time. Students will stay after school with me and walk over to the high school with me for auditions. They may be picked up from the high school band room once they have completed their audition.
BAND PARENT MEETING • Booster Club Meeting
March 25, 2019 at 6:00PM in the High School Band Room.
We will go over the summer schedule, the handbook, and announce the show! This is a mandatory meeting for students participating in the marching band next year.
Placement auditions will take place after school on Thursday, March 28 beginning at 4:00PM. Students will be able to sign-up for a time. Auditions are required for all students to participate in the high school band and will determine class and chair placement. Auditions consist of three parts which are explained below: Etude, Scales, and Sight-reading. Please sign up for the audition by clicking here. Be sure to add your name to the appropriate list (tabs at the bottom).
Etude:
The etude was passed out in class last week or can be accessed on Charms or by following the links below. The etude is worth 60 points on your audition (or the value of 20, 1 octave scales!)
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.
Scales:
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 Only):
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
- 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.
Rudiments (Percussion Only):
Percussionists will perform 3 rudiments of their choice in an open – closed – open tradition instead of a chromatic scale. Performance will be graded on speed, technique, and evenness of sound. Each rudiment will be evaluated on a 10 point scale. Additionally, 10 bonus points are reserved to be rewarded as bonus points for exceptional speed, tone, and technique.
Sight-reading:
Sight-reading will consist of a short excerpt that you will perform after a 30 second study period. During the study period, I encourage you to “airplay or air band” through the music, just keep in mind that you are not allowed to make a sound on your instrument during the study period. Sight-reading is graded on all of the elements of music like the etude is graded. It is important to be well versed in all rhythms, scales, keys, dynamics, articulations, etc. to be a good sight-reader. Students who are able to perform a compelling interpretation of the sight-reading beyond the notes and rhythms will be awarded more points. You will have an option between two sight-readings. An easier sight-reading will be worth 30 points or you can choose the more difficult one, which is worth 50 points.
HAPPY PRACTICING!
-M. Menendez
cjhstrojanband 