HS Band Audition Procedures
For 2020-21, all auditions will be uploaded as mp3 files to Festival Scores.
- 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.
Audition Material for Wind Players
- A full range chromatic scale slurred up and tongued down. Quarter Note MM= 120. Memorization is not required.
- One major scale, either D or A-flat. Quarter Note MM= 120. Memorization is not required.
All scales will start on the lowest possible starting note in the practical range.
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.
- Sections of the required etudes/solos listed below. Further cuts may be determined by judges the day of auditions and posted clearly outside the audition room.
Sight reading
Audition Material for Percussionists
Snare Drum
- Play a rudimental long roll - open, close, open (slow, fast, slow).
- Play the first audition excerpt.
- Play the second audition excerpt.
Sight-read
Timpani
- Play the first audition excerpt.
- Play the second audition excerpt.
Sight-read
Mallets
- Play two octaves of one of the following concert scales: Concert D Major and A-flat Major.
- Play the first audition excerpt.
- Play the second audition excerpt.
Sight-read