Band Auditions
Band Auditions will take place in person in the band building on Thursday, November 17, 2022.
Please use this form to sign-up for an audition slot. (You must be signed into your school google account).
Students will perform the following for points during their audition:
1) 2 mins for scale test (3 points per scale)
2) chromatic scale (20 points plus bonus options)
3) etude (60 points) • GMEA Lyrical Etude
4) Sight-Reading (50 points)
Below, more detailed information about what to prepare and how it is scored:
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):
Fall etudes: GMEA District Honor Band Lyrical Etude for your age group.
Access the Fall etudes here: This link will take you to the GMEA where you can access the appropriate etude for your instrument and grade level. As announced the 1st week of school, we will perform the Lyrical Etude published by GMEA for your instrument.
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 60 points. Be sure to pay attention to the time signature, tempo marking, and key signature.
Spring etudes: Access the Spring 2023 Etudes Here
The Spring etude is written specifically for our students and are published on our website each year. This is the etude that everyone learns for the Spring Audition in preparation of next Fall.
Sight-Reading (Winds and Percussion):
Students will have 30 seconds to silently study a brief musical example before performing it for the judge. Sight-reading is graded on all elements of music: tone, pitch, tempo, rhythm, technique, articulation, dynamics, musicality, expression, and style. A compelling performance of the sight-reading can earn 50 points. Be sure to pay attention to the time signature, tempo, and key signature.
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