Monday, November 14, 2005
The PMC Quick Note is a
weekly service provided to all area directors. It is part of our mission
to support the lives of band directors across the
Successful All-State
Band Auditions – Preparation Outline by
Ann Goodwin and Paul Copenhaver
I. Preparing the Scales – the
‘backbone’ of your audition!
(Scales are never requested in
“concert pitch”. Ex. A Bb scales begins on your Bb.)
A. Play at indicated speed; = 88 (in
sixteenth notes)
1. Faster is NOT better; better is
better!
2. Establish a sense of pulse – Use
a metronome as your practice
3. Make sure each note ‘speaks’ –
don’t let it all be a ‘blur’
B. Play with good characteristic
tone throughout full range of instrument
(Make sure that you play all scales
the required number of octaves for your instrument)
C. Prepare scales both tongued and
slurred
D. Learn major/minor scales in
relative pairs, so that key relationships become familiar
E. Use a ‘flash card’ system to quiz
yourself; don’t always practice scales in the same order.
II. Preparing the
Music
A. Technique – Make sure that each
of these elements is in place; begin slowly, then gradually work up to
performance tempo
1. proper notes and fingerings; (use
appropriate alternate fingerings where applicable)
2. proper
rhythms
3. proper articulation – check
carefully
Tip: Practice technically difficult
passages with mixed/dotted rhythms (i.e. This helps with motor skill
development.
B. Musicianship – Remember,
making music is what it’s all about!
1. characteristic
tone
2. proper tempi (faster is not
always better….check with metronome!)
3. dynamic markings and
shadings
4. proper
phrasing
C. Audition Preparation
‘Tips’
1. Audition time constraints will
not always allow for each etude to be played in full. Don’t always practice starting at the
beginning of the full page exercises. Get used to starting in the middle, near the
end, the last section, etc.
2. If in doubt about whether to take
a repeat, D.C. or D.S., take it.
3. Perform several ‘mock’ auditions
before the big day. This is the best way to prepare your nerves! Make sure you work the
‘three steps to performance confidence’
a. Play it
right
b. Play it right lots of
times
c. Play it right under
pressure
4. Practice sight reading
regularly!
III. ‘The First Saturday in
December’
This is a day that can wreck havoc
on nerves. As your band directors, we understand your fears about this process and have become
familiar with the pain/pleasure aspects of this day. We are there to help you. (Many of us
remember enduring the same experience, and believe me, we feel your pain!) Some things to
remember:
1. There will likely be call backs –
make sure that you stay informed as to what is going on with the audition process for your
instrument. Don’t be caught unprepared for call backs!
2. For all orchestral wind
instruments, this audition is also an audition for the All-State Orchestra. If you score high enough
within your section, you will have the option to
choose band or orchestra. Both
folders with the concert music are made available during the audition day. Look at this
music, and be prepared with a decision, should you have one.
3. When you enter the audition room,
make sure you read/understand all instructions thoroughly. If you do not, DON’T
speak to the judge; have the room monitor clarify.
4. On audition day, don’t ‘overplay’
before your audition. By now, the work is done – warm-up, run through it a few times,
then GO!
5. Be prepared to sight read! All judges have the option of requiring this in an audition.
6. Should you be selected to either
the All-State Band or Orchestra,
congratulations!
Now – your work has just begun!
You will need to
make sure that you pick up your folder in the main ensemble selection room.
Check and double check to make sure that you have all forms and money turned in on time! As for
the music, PRACTICE! Make sure the technical preparation is complete before you
arrive at Tan-Tar-A.
Being a member of an All-State
ensemble is one of the highest honors available to a high school student. It is also a
tremendously rewarding musical experience! However, preparation for this audition should not be
considered a success or failure based solely on your success in ‘making the group’. Your investment
of time and effort has paid off in many ways – You have become a better musician! You have
learned the value of ‘raising the bar’ for yourself as a musician and as a person. You are to
be congratulated! Remember; ‘Success lies not in the
destination, but in what we learn through the journey’
This
article is reprinted from the
Contact Your
Can we assist you with anything? Please contact your local Palen Music Center school road representative for all of your music education needs.
Moberly (660) 263-0109 Clint Thompson
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