Band Auditions will take place in person in the Don Hall Band building. Please check the calendar for the next audition date.

Students will sign up for an audition slot using a link provided by their band director.

During the audition, students perform the following:
1) 2 mins for scale test (3 possible points per octave • 1pt ascending, 1pt descending, 1pt arpeggio)
2) chromatic scale (20 points plus bonus options)
3) etude (60 points) • GMEA Lyrical Etude
4) Sight-Reading (50 points)

Below, more detailed information about what to prepare and how it is scored:

2 mins scales test (Winds and Percussion):

Please perform as many major/minor scales as you can in 2 minutes. The scales do not have to be memorized. Students will receive a maximum of 3 points per octave that is performed correctly (1 point ascending, 1 point descending, and 1 point for the arpeggio.) Mistakes may be corrected by starting the scale over. Remember there are only have 2 minutes to complete the scales. If time runs out in the middle of a scale, that scale may be finished for full credit. Articulation and rhythm does not matter for scales, but note accuracy is imperative. Keep in mind: your scale score is not limited by anything except time. You can really earn a lot of points in this category if you practice diligently. It is rare, but not unheard of for students to perform 12 major and 12 minor scales, 2 octaves in a 2 minute period. Are you up for the challenge?

Chromatic Scale (Winds and Percussion):

Students are encouraged to demonstrate their full range by performing their chromatic scale. The chromatic scale does not have to be memorized. GMEA has requirements for recommended ranges for students who are auditioning for district honor band. Their recommendation is a great starting goal. The scale should be performed in an even rhythm both ascending and descending. Points for the chromatic scale will be awarded as follows:

Perform the Junior High School required ranges for a total of 20 points
Flute Low C to High F
Oboe Low C to High C
Bassoon Low Bb to High F
Soprano Clarinet Low E to High D above High C
Bb Low Clarinet Low E to High A Bb
Eb Contra Alto Clarinet Low E to High A
Alto Sax Low C to High D
Baritone Sax Low C to High D
Tenor Sax Low C to High D
Trumpet Low F# to High G
French Horn Low F to High F
Trombone Low E to High F
Baritone (BC) Low E to High F
Baritone (TC) Low F# to High G
Tuba Low E to High F
Percussion – Full range of the instrument

For each additional note added to the range students may earn an additional point for their Chromatic Scale.
Bonus points: There is no specified tempo, but the evaluator has the discretion to award up to 10 bonus points for performing the scale with quality tone in all registers, speed, and exceptional evenness of the performance.

Etude (Winds and Percussion):

Sight-Reading (Winds and Percussion):

Students will have 30 seconds to silently study a brief musical example before performing it for the judge. Sight-reading is graded on all elements of music: tone, pitch, tempo, rhythm, technique, articulation, dynamics, musicality, expression, and style. A compelling performance of the sight-reading can earn 50 points. Be sure to pay attention to the time signature, tempo, and key signature.