Band instruction is available on three levels, Band 1, 2, and 3. We begin with students who don’t know how to read music or assemble their instrument and help them progress to playing more and more complex and difficult music. All music types are explored: swing, modern, traditional, hymns, praise, marches, sacred, and so much more. We offer opportunities for students to perform, as well as leadership opportunities for older students who assist the directors.
Band 1
Band 1 is for students with little or no musical training on an instrument. To participate in Band 1, students must be at least 9 years old and attend an Instrument Fitting. The Instrument Fitting is a time for your child to see the different instruments under the direction of trained personnel. With the information gathered at this time, we are better able to determine what instrument your child would enjoy playing based on their aptitudes, abilities, and desire. See our Calendar page for more information on instrument fittings.
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If you already have an instrument, please bring it to the fitting. List also your first, second and third choice of instrument. Every effort is made to ensure your child’s success and enjoyment.
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Note: Beginner Band Percussion students must have at least 1 year experience on piano/ keyboard or other band instrument within the past two years. Audition is required for percussion. Piano students will do well on our 4 ½ octave marimba and our vibraphone, please audition for percussion!
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Required Materials: Instrument, Music Stand, Pencil, Standard of Excellence book 1, 1” black binder and plastic sleeves for music, and concert dress.
Band 2
Band 2 is available for those students who have played at least one year on an instrument. Last year’s Band 1 students will automatically be enrolled in the Intermediate Band unless they have changed to a new instrument or they are auditioning to get into the Advanced Band.
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Auditions are required for all new students seeking to be enrolled in this band. See important dates for information on Audition Day. For intermediate band: students need to know the b flat and e flat scales plus be able to play a short piece from the end of the beginner book they went through. We need to see how they play: tone, breath control, and generally see that they are beyond the beginner level.
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Required Materials: Instrument, Music Stand, Pencil, Standard of Excellence – Book 2, 1” black binder and plastic sleeves for music, concert dress and instrument.
Band 3
Band 3 is available for those students who have played at least two years on an instrument. Auditions are required for all students seeking to be enrolled in this band. See important dates for information on Audition Day. Audition results will determine chair placement as well as band placement.
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Required Materials: Instrument, Music Stand, Pencil, Standard of Excellence-Book 3, 1” black binder and plastic sleeves for music, concert dress, instrument, tuner and metronome.
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Audition Requirements:
Woodwind, Brass, Mallets:
1. GMEA scales 9-10th grade from memory as printed on the web site.
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Concert G Major
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Concert C Major (two octaves only)
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Concert F Major
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Concert B flat Major(one octave only)
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Concert E flat Major
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Concert A flat Major
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Concert D flat Major
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Concert G flat Major
2. Sight Reading
Snare Drum:
1. Know all rudiments from Standard of Excellence Book II. Rudiments will be chosen from this book.
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Go to www.gmea.org. At the top of the page, click on ‘Band Division’ then click on ‘All-State Band.’ Click on the middle school link, then download the scales appropriate to your instrument. If 9/10 grade, or 11/12 grade, click on those links and then download the scales for your instrument. Scales must be memorized.
The Elite Band, our highest level of band, is available for those students who have played at least three years on an instrument. Auditions are required for all students seeking to be enrolled in this band. A commitment to attend Bandtastic is required of all Elite Band members. See important dates for information on Audition Day. Audition results will determine chair placement as well as band placement.
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Required Materials: Instrument, Music Stand, Method Book-Symphonic Warm ups by Claude T. Smith (this is available on Amazon), Pencil, Chromatic Tuner, metronome, 1” black binder and plastic sleeves for music, concert dress and instrument.
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Audition Requirements:
Woodwind, Brass, Mallets:
1. GMEA scale 11-12 th grade from memory as printed on the website
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Concert F Major
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Concert B flat Major
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Concert E flat Major
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Concert A flat Major
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Concert D flat Major
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Concert G flat Major
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Concert G Major
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Concert D Major
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Concert A Major
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Concert E Major
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Concert B Major
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Concert C Major
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Chromatic Scale range 11-12th grade on GMEA website
2. Sight Reading
3. Short prepared solo work (not marching music)
Snare Drum:
1. Know all rudiments from Standard of Excellence Book III. Rudiments will be chosen from this book.
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Go to www.gmea.org. At the top of the page, click on ‘Band Division’ then click on ‘All-State Band’. All students who are middle school age or in the 9th or 10th grade, must memorize the high school level scales to be a part of this band. If you are in the 11th or 12th grade, click on those links and then download the scales for your instrument.
Band
