What is an audition?
Firstly we would like to make it clear that an audition is not just a ‘test’ or ‘ranking’ activity. We enjoy meeting with band members individually, seeing their progress and celebrating their achievements during the year. We also use these individual sessions to help us to assess their strengths and plan the best band allocation, balance and repertoire for the year ahead.
Who has to audition?
Training Band students do NOT need to audition. They have already been playing an individual solo piece for their band conductor in rehearsals each week during term 4. This will serve as their informal audition to progress into Intermediate Band in 2024. If your child is in Training Band they do not have to sit a further audition if they are happy to move into the Intermediate Band next year. If your child is progressing rapidly and you would like them to be considered for acceleration into Concert Band (our top band) in 2024, please contact your band coordinator or conductor to discuss.
Intermediate Band students are all asked to prepare the audition requirements below. If they do NOT wish to be considered for Concert Band next year they may choose to present the easier ‘OPTION 1’ requirements. If they wish to be considered for Concert Band they are expected to present ‘OPTION 2’.
Concert Band students are all expected to present ‘OPTION 2’ requirements (except for students who are in year 6 or leaving the school next year who will not be required to audition).
Audition Requirements
OPTION 1: for students wishing to remain in Intermediate Band in 2024
The audition for students who wish to remain in Intermediate Band next year is fairly simple and relaxed, they will need to prepare two items:
- Scale (own choice) – any scale they like, if unsure ask your tutor
- 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.
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 Concert Band (most advanced band) in 2024
- To be considered for Concert Band students must demonstrate a much more advanced technique and musicality
- We aim to select a balanced band so more popular instruments (like flute, clarinet and sax) will be much harder to gain selection
- If your child is unsuccessful in gaining a place in Concert Band they are welcome to practise hard across the holidays and re-audition in Term 1 next year
- The audition for students who wish to be in Concert Band next year is slightly more challenging and they will need to prepare 3 more demanding items:
- Scales (x2) – students must prepare a CHROMATIC SCALE (full range of their instrument) plus an OWN CHOICE scale that best demonstrates their advanced technique
- Song (own choice) – play two lines from a song which demonstrates advanced technique AND musicality
- Band Repertoire (link below) – download the music for your child’s instrument from the link below (bass guitar students should learn the “Baritone Bass Clef” parts). Students don’t need to learn the whole song, they only need to learn the sections marked in blue boxes.
PERCUSSION: percussion students must present:
- Scales (x2) – chromatic and own choice on the glockenspiel/xylophone
- Rock beat – of their own choice on drum kit
- Band Repertoire (link below) – all four percussion parts (snare drum, auxiliary, mallets and timpani)
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How/When To Audition
Training Band – auditions will take place during regular morning rehearsal time in week 7, 8 & 9:
*Week 7 = flutes and clarinets
*Week 8 = trumpets and saxes
*Week 9 = all other instruments
Concert Band – auditions will take place during week 6 or week 9 (when year 6 students will be away):
*Week 6, Monday 7:30am-8:30am = flutes, clarinets & saxes
*Week 9, Tuesday 3pm-:4pm = all other instruments
If your child will be absent for their audition you may ask your child’s private tutor to make a recording of their audition during lessons and email to their band coordinator.
In the meantime, please make sure you:
- Print this page (and any other music if required) and send with your child to their weekly lesson
- Let their tutor know they need to be preparing for their audition
- If your child will be away from band on the day of their audition please contact their band coordinator to let us know so we do not miss them
If you have any questions please contact your child’s tutor, band coordinator or band conductor.