HS Band Audition Procedures
- Auditions are to be blind with the student behind a screen. Exception: percussionists will audition within view of the judges.
- Auditions for SEKMEA High School Honor Ensembles will be live auditions with the
following exception: The only allowable exception is for students unable to attend
district auditions due to participation in NAfME All-National Ensembles. The
procedure for a recorded audition will be as follows:
- Teacher will take a video recording of the student performing the entire audition material in one take.
- Submit to the district President no later than 7 days before auditions.
- The district President will review the audition to ensure the correct person auditioned and done in one take.
- The President will then forward an audio-only copy to the appropriate ensemble chair who will be responsible for playing the appropriate cut of the audition for judges on audition day.
- In case of instrumentation shortages, the chairperson will fill spots, according to audition information, as they deem necessary.
- A chromatic scale slurred up and tongued down. Quarter Note MM=60. Play the rhythm as written on the scale sheet. Memorization is not required.
- One major scale, as written on the scale sheet, either A or F. Quarter Note MM=60. Play the rhythm as written on the scale sheet. Memorization is not required. All scales will start on the notes indicated on the scale sheet for their instrument. Each scale is non-transposed (i.e., if a trumpet player is asked to perform a C scale, they will be expected to perform a C scale on their instrument, not a C concert scale.) The major scale for each instrument will be posted by the band chairpersons on the morning of live auditions. NEW for 2022-23 - A scale sheet link is provided indicating articulation and range for each scale. Please perform the rhythms as indicated with the metronome setting of quarter note equals MM=60
- Sections of the required etudes/solos listed in the Audition Excerpts tab.
- Sight reading.
Flute & PiccoloOboeBassoonClarinetBass & Contra ClarinetSaxophonesTrumpetHornTrombone & EuphoniumTuba
Audition Procedure for Percussionists
Snare Drum
- Play the audition excerpt
- Sight-read
- Play the first audition excerpt
- Play the second audition excerpt
- Sight-read