District XVI All District Band
Audition Requirements
Middle School Level -Winds
Major Scales (20%)
- The following major scales are to be preparedAND MEMORIZED (in concert pitch): C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab
- The audition will consist of any 2 scales as called for by the audition panel at the time of the audition.
- The scales will be identified by both concert and written pitch where transposing instruments are concerned.
- The range of each scale is to cover as many octaves as will fit within the ranges listed for the chromatic scale. Exceeding this range is, by district rule, is not cause for additional credit. The only exception shall be for the French Horn where a properly performedONE octave C Concert (written G scale) is a requirement of the audition even though this scale does not fit into the chromatic range.
- Scales are to be performed using the following rhythm up and down per octave:
- The tempo shall be precisely mm = 60 throughout. The judges prior to each scale will provide a metronomic pulse.
- The articulation for major scales shall be legato tongue ascending and descending.
Chromatic Scale (20%)
- See the attached chart to see what the range requirement is for a given instrument. Exceeding this range, by district rule, is not cause for additional credit.
- Slur ascending, tongued descending (except trombones and percussion). Instruments play their chromatic scales in 8th notes at the tempo given below (quarter note = one beat)
- The minimum tempo requirement of the chromatic scale is mm = 96
- The judges prior to each scale will provide a metronomic pulse.
- The articulation for the chromatic scale shall be slurred ascending and tongued descending. Trombone shall legato tongue ascending and staccato tongue descending.
Prepared Etude (30%)
Students perform the official etude given to them by their band director.
Sight-reading (30%)
- Each audition will include one sight-reading excerpt.
- The excerpt will be studied, without performing on the instrument, for thirty seconds.
- All musical components of assessment (tone, articulations, pitch, dynamics, tempo, etc.) are to be evaluated.
*Placement in the All-District Band is based on total highest score. Sight-reading score breaks ties.
District XVI Audition Requirements
Middle School Level
Mallets/Keyboard Percussion
General Information
- The audition will use a standard xylophone. Auditionees may not bring their own instrument.
- Auditionees must bring their own mallets. It is highly recommended that a variety of suitable mallets (not brass…) be brought in anticipation of sight-reading.
Major Scales (20%)
- The following major scales are to be prepared and memorized (in concert pitch): C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab
- The audition will consist of any two scales as called for by the audition panel at the time of the audition.
- The choice of scales may rotate randomly.
- Each scale is to be performed one octave, up and down. Exceeding this range is, by district rule, is not cause for additional credit.
- Scales are to be performed using the following rhythm up and down per octave:
- The tempo shall be precisely mm = 60 throughout. The judges prior to each scale will provide a metronomic pulse.
Chromatic Scale (20%)
- The chromatic scale shall cover the entire range of the instrument
- The chromatic scale is to be performed up and down in eighth notes:
- The minimum tempo requirement of the chromatic scale is mm = 96. A metronomic pulse will be provided by the judges prior to each scale.
Prepared Etude (30%)
Students perform the official etude given to them by their band director.
Sight-reading (30%)
- Each audition will include one sight-reading excerpt.
- The excerpt will be studied, without performing on the instrument, for thirty (30) seconds.
- All musical components of assessment (articulations, pitch, dynamics, tempo, mallet choice, etc.) are to be evaluated.
*Placement in the All-District Band is based on total highest score. Sight-reading score breaks ties.
District XVI Audition Requirements
Middle School Level
Snare Drum
General Information
- The host will provide a quality snare drum and adjustable stand. Auditionees may bring their own instrument.
- Auditionees must bring their own sticks.
Rudiments (20%)
- The following nine rudiments are to be prepared:
- Long Roll
- 5 Stroke Roll
- 7 Stroke Roll
- 9 Stroke Roll
- Flam
- Paradiddle
- Flam Paradiddle
- Ruff
- Flam Tap
- The audition will consist of any two rudiments as called for by the audition panel at the time of the audition.
- Rudiments are to performed open-closed-open
- The same rudiments may be used for all auditionees.
Long Roll (20%)
- The Long Roll shall be performed open – closed – open
Prepared Etude (30%)
Students perform the official etude given to them by their band director.
Sight-reading (30%)
- Each audition will include one sight-reading excerpt.
- This excerpt will be studied, without performing on the instrument, for thirty seconds.
- All musical components of assessment (articulations, dynamics, tempo, etc.) are to be evaluated.
*Placement in the All-District Band is based on total highest score. Sight-reading score breaks ties.
District XVI Audition Requirements
Middle School Level
Timpani
General Information
- The host will provide two (29” & 26”) quality timpani without functioning tuning gauges.
- Auditionees may not bring their own instrument.
- Auditionees must bring their own mallets. A variety of mallets are recommended.
- A non-electric tuning device may be used to tune all drums. A bell set will be provided.
Long Roll (20%)
- To be performed forte-piano (fp ) to forte (f).
Prepared Etude (30%)
Students perform the official etude given to them by their band director.
Sight-reading (30%)
- Each audition will include one sight-reading.
- Prior to studying the example, the auditionee shall have sixty (60) seconds to tune the drums as necessary. See below for this procedure.
- The excerpt will be studied, without performing on the instrument, for thirty (30) seconds.
- All musical components of assessment (mallet choice, articulations, pitch, dynamics, tempo, etc.) are to be evaluated.
Tuning (20%)
- Each audition will include one sight-reading excerpt.
- The following aspects of tuning are included in the assessment:
- Appropriate/correct use of drums (in terms of what drum gets what pitch),
- Relative pitch of tunings,
- Accuracy of tunings, amount of time taken (less is better), and,
- Technique/method of tuning (a quiet method is best).
*Placement in the All-District Band is based on total highest score. Sight-reading score breaks ties.