Band instruction is available on four levels, Beginner through Elite. 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.
Beginner Band
Instructor-Peggy Wilson 1:00 – 1:55 p.m.
Beginner Band is for students with little or no musical training on an instrument. To participate in Beginner Band, 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. In 2011 the Instrument fitting is at 10:00 on August 12th.
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.
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!
Required Materials: Instrument, Music Stand, Pencil, Standard of Excellence book 1, 1” black binder and plastic sleeves for music, and concert dress.
Intermediate Band
Instructor-Peggy Wilson 2:00 – 2:55 p.m.
The Intermediate Band is available for those students who have played at least one year on an instrument. Last year’s beginners 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.
Auditions are required for all new students seeking to be enrolled in this band. All auditions will take place at Eastside Baptist Church. In 2011, Intermediate auditions will begin at 11:00 on August 12th at the Eastside Baptist Student Center.
Required Materials: Instrument, Music Stand, Pencil, Standard of Excellence – Book 2, 1” black binder and plastic sleeves for music, concert dress and instrument.
Advanced Band
Instructor-Deborah Scarazzo 1:00 – 1:55 p.m.
The Advanced Band is available for those students who have played at least two years on an instrument. A commitment to attend Bandtastic is required of all Advanced Band members. Auditions are required for all students seeking to be enrolled in this band. Student auditions will take place at the Eastside Baptist Student Center starting at 10am on August 12th. Audition results will determine chair placement as well as band placement.
Advanced Band students are required to play the Middle school (gr 6-8) GMEA scales for audition, from memory if they are middle school age or younger. If the student is high school age, they must meet the high school requirements instead of middle school requirements. Make sure you chose the scales for the High School grade you are in. Test will also include sight reading, and a very short prepared piece of your choice with the exception NO MARCHING BAND MUSIC MAY BE USED AS A PREPARED PIECE. Please watch the Yahoo site for details as to when each group will audition.
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.
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.
Elite Band
Instructor-Deborah Scarazzo 12:00 – 12:55 p.m.
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. Student auditions will take place at the Eastside Baptist Student Center starting at 10am on August 12th. Please watch the Yahoo site for details as to when each group of instruments will be testing. Audition results will determine chair placement as well as band placement.
Elite Band students in the 10 grade or lower are required to play the GMEA 9th & 10th grade scales from memory and 2 octaves of the chromatic scales.
If your student is in the 11th or 12th grade, they must be able to play GMEA 11th & 12th grade scales from memory and 2 octaves of the chromatic scales.
All first chair students should be able to play the 11th & 12th grade scales and chromatic scales from memory. Sight Reading and a short prepared piece are also required for the audition. NO MARCHING BAND MUSIC MAY BE USED AS A PREPARED PIECE. 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.
Required Materials: Instrument, Music Stand, Pencil, Symphonic Warm-ups for Band by Claude T. Smith, Chromatic Tuner, metronome, 1” black binder and plastic sleeves for music, concert dress and instrument.