Murray Farm PS 2025 Band Auditions
Band Auditions will occur in weeks 8 & 9 of Term 4 in preparation for 2025. It is important that all band students prepare an audition, as this helps us allocate parts and ensure the bands are appropriately balanced.
Whilst we ask all band members to prepare an audition for us, we understand that not all students will be confident playing everything on the list. So – we give students two options depending on whether they wish to be considered for Performance Band or Concert Band. See below for details.
OPTION 1: for students wishing to be in Concert Band (intermediate band) in 2025
- All Training Band students are automatically moved into Concert Band after 12 months of learning.
- Concert Band students must be enrolled in private tuition on their instrument – TSA can provide a list of good local tutors
- Concert Band percussion students are required to attend Concert Band rehearsal AND the group percussion sectional each week – we will contact you with more details
- Students are expected to have mastered the basics on their instrument and demonstrated reliable attendance and regular practise
The audition for students who wish to be in Concert Band next year requires the preparation of these three items:
- Scale (own choice) – any scale they like, if unsure ask your tutor or pick one from page 37 of their Accent On Achievement book
- Can Can (song #84 from the Accent On Achievement book)
- Song (own choice) – play one or two lines from your favourite song. It could be a band song or a song they have learned with their tutor. Ask your tutor for help choosing a song which best showcases your technique and skills.
- Trumpet/F.Horn/Trombone/Tuba – Demonstrate a lip slur.
Students do not need to stress or worry about preparing these items, we do not expect them to be perfect. Talk to your tutor or band conductor if you have any questions.
OPTION 2: for students wishing to try out for Performance Band (advanced band) in 2025
- To be considered for Performance Band students must demonstrate advanced technique and musicality
- We aim to select a balanced band which means that more popular instruments (eg. flute, clarinet and sax) will be much harder to gain selection
- Performance Band students must be enrolled in weekly private tuition with an experienced tutor
- Performance Band percussion students are required to attend Performance Band rehearsal AND the group percussion sectional each week.
The audition for students who wish to be in Performance Band next year requires the preparation of these three items:
WIND & BASS:
- Scales (x2) – students must prepare a CHROMATIC SCALE (full range of their instrument) plus an OWN CHOICE scale that best demonstrates their advanced technique
- Own Piece (student’s choice) – play two lines from a piece which demonstrates advanced technique AND musicality
- Band Repertoire – print the page (for your child’s instrument) that was sent by email. Students don’t need to learn the whole piece, they only need to learn the sections marked in red boxes.
- Sight Reading – students will be asked to play a short sight-reading excerpt.
PERCUSSION:
- Scales (x2) – chromatic and own choice on the glockenspiel
- Rock beat – of their own choice on drum kit
- Band Repertoire – print the pages that were sent by email for all four percussion parts (snare drum, auxiliary, mallets and timpani)
MFPS Jazz Band 2025
We are very excited to introduce the MFPS Jazz Band to our band program in 2025!
Membership of the MFPS Jazz Band is by invite only and all students who audition for Performance Band will be considered. The Jazz Band is an extension of the Performance Band program, and it is expected that all Jazz Band members also participate in Performance Band.
Expressions of interest for Jazz Band can be made via this online application form. Places are very limited so please let us know if your child is interested in joining!
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How/When to Audition
Auditions will take place in weeks 8 & 9 of term 4, before school. More information regarding audition scheduling will be made available soon. In the meantime, please make sure that you:
- Print this page (and any other music if required) and send with your child to their weekly private tutorial
- Let their tutor know they need to be preparing for their audition
- If your child will be away in weeks 8 or 9 please contact heather@teachingservices.com.au so we do not miss them
If you have any questions please contact your child’s tutor, band director or TSA office.