All State Band Auditions
Dear Band Members,
Every year, we need to start identifying who is going to try out for all state band! Returning members have heard me talk about the importance of this decision on how it positively impacts your instrumental music experience. New members - there is not a single thing you could do that would help improve your abilities on your instrument MORE than trying out for all state band! Here is what the audition consists of:
1) Preparing a solo. You dont play the entire thing in the audition...but need to be prepared to play any part!
2) Prepare your scales. You will be asked to play one major, one minor and your chromatic scale from a list (see link below). Percussionists - you will be asked to play your rudiments (see link below)
3) Prepare an etude. These come out usually in October. It is usually just 8-10 bars of an exercise. I'll post here when it becomes available.
4) Sight Read. These are short 9 bar examples that you dont get to practice ahead of time.
5) Terms Exam. You will be asked to complete a multiple choice computer generated exam at the end of the audition. The terms list is below as well.
*Percussionists - you need to decide to audition on two of the following three families of instruments (timpani, mallets and snare). Your audition changes slightly based on what you decide. Come talk to me if you are interested!
First and foremost....the worst thing that can happen if you choose to do this is you dont make it...but you become a better musician! In my 20 years here, MOST if not ALL of our best musicians have tried out for All State Band. However, MANY musicians that were struggling or wanted to improve saw their abilities SKY-ROCKET after completing this goal of trying out! And if you are fortunate enough to make it....you will be sitting and performing next to the best musicians in the state on some very difficult music (an experience you will never forget).
The auditions are in January....but if you want to do this, you need to do the following:
1). If you are interested in trying out....please complete this short Google Forms HERE
2) Come see me ASAP to pick out a solo
3) Download the scales/rudiments and terms below.
4) Sign up for weekly lessons with me NOW!
One goal I have had since I have been here at Mitchell (that I havent hit yet)....is getting enough of you to audition that I need to charter a bus to get there! Lets do it this year!