Incoming 6th graders who wish to play in Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble must complete a 10-minute audition. Sign up for audition time here.

Prepared material

See this Dropbox location for materials. Pick which band you are auditioning for, and find your materials by instrument. Have these prepared for your audition (does not need to be memorized):

• Excerpt #1 (rudimental and fundamental skills and knowledge)
  Scales and rhythm studies to be performed at 100 beats per minute
• Excerpt #2 (excerpts from band repertoire)
  Song #1 at Andante Tempo (approx. 76 beats per minute)
  Song #2 at Moderato Tempo (approx. 108 beats per minute)

Sight reading

You will be given these excerpts on the day of the audition. Pay close attention to note/rhythm accuracy, tempo markings, articulations, dynamics, and other musical markings.

• Excerpt #1 (rudimental and fundamental skills and knowledge)
  Will involve technical skills on instruments and rhythm reading
• Excerpt #2 (excerpt from band repertoire)
  Random excerpt from a song in the Symphonic Band/Wind Ensemble repertoire

CONCERT BAND is an introductory-level ensemble that is open to all students in grades 6-8 who have had 0-1 years’ worth (or the equivalent) of band experience. Students learn concepts of music theory and explore how to play a musical instrument in an individual and group setting in a traditional band instrumentation. Students will choose either woodwind/brass or percussion instruments, as assisted by the Director at the beginning of the school year. The class emphasizes structured skill development through method books and Grade 0-1.5 literature works. Concert Band is a full year class and performs at several concerts. No audition is required to be a part of this group.

SYMPHONIC BAND is an intermediate-level ensemble and is open to all students in grades 6-8 who have had 1-2 years’ worth (or the equivalent) of band experience. Students continue to develop their musical knowledge and skills in a traditional band instrumentation, as well as learn more techniques/concepts through method books and playing Grade 2-3 literature works. Symphonic Band is a full year class and performs at several concerts and festivals. Incoming 6th graders wishing to be a part of this group must audition.

WIND ENSEMBLE is the highest-level ensemble and is open to all students in grades 6-8 who have had 2-3 years’ worth (or the equivalent) of band experience. Students continue to develop their musical knowledge and skills in a traditional band instrumentation, as well as learn more advanced techniques/concepts through innovative new literature and challenging core compositions in the band repertoire. Wind Ensemble is a full year class and performs at several concerts and festivals. Incoming 6th graders wishing to be a part of this group must audition.