Audition Packet


CONESTOGA HIGH SCHOOL
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC COURSE
SELECTION AND AUDITIONS
Audition Dates:
VFMS 01/21/15
TEMS 01/22/15
CONESTOGA HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC COURSE SELECTION AND AUDITIONS
Mr. Nation and Mr. Boccuti will be coming to VFMS on 01.21.15 and TEMS on 01.22.15
Introduction
Welcome 8th grade instrumental music students! Very soon, you will be scheduling your music
courses for 9th grade. We are very hopeful that you will continue to participate in the wealth of
musical opportunities at Conestoga High School. Instrumentalists of all abilities have the opportunity
to participate in at least one performing group. Rehearsal times for most Conestoga performing
groups are scheduled within the regular 8-period school day: a big change compared to the middle
school schedule. Those who sing and/or play an instrument(s) are able to schedule multiple
performing group courses with relative ease. Additionally, more performing group courses are
offered at Conestoga in order to accommodate musicians of various talents. All students will receive
a Program of Studies from the Guidance Counselor that clearly defines the requirements for each
performing group offered.
Auditions
In order to be considered for one of the advanced ensembles, an audition is required. Interested
students should sign up for an audition time through their current middle school band or orchestra
director. The audition materials are enclosed for each instrument and are outlined in detail in this
packet. Students need only prepare the bracketed sections indicated for each instrument. Students
will be asked to sight-read a passage of music (provided at the time of the audition). Lastly, each
student will be asked to play 4 major scales of their choosing (winds and strings) and a chromatic
scale (winds only). Please see the attached page for information on major scale performance.
Results
Since we will also be auditioning current Conestoga High School Instrumental Music students,
audition results will be sent to each middle school JUST PRIOR TO THE COURSE SELECTION
DEADLINE. 8th grade students will select their instrumental ensembles for next year based on these
results.
Music Electives
Music electives are also offered in addition to performing group organizations. They are Broadway
Musical Theater, Music Production, Music Theory, AP Music Theory, Pop Rock & Jazz History, Piano
Lab, Guitar, and Advanced Guitar. All music students are strongly encouraged to participate in the
music electives. Course descriptions are located in the 2015 Conestoga High School Program of
Studies. Woodwind and Brass
Concert Band and Marching Band are performing ensembles open to all woodwind and brass
players. An audition is NOT required to participate in these ensembles. All woodwind and brass
players may waive their audition and participate in Concert Band and/or Marching Band. A limited
number of woodwind and brass instrumentalists are selected for Wind Ensemble and Symphony
Orchestra each school year. These two advanced ensembles are for students who demonstrate a
high level of proficiency on their instrument. Acceptance into Wind Ensemble and Symphony
Orchestra for woodwind and brass players is by audition only. All woodwind and brass players that
do not make Wind Ensemble or Symphony Orchestra or who did not complete and audition are
expected to sign up for Concert Band.
Percussion
All percussionists are expected to complete and audition. On your audition form, please indicate
which ensembles your are interested in. A very limited number of percussionists are accepted into
each performing ensemble every school year: Symphony Orchestra (1-4), Wind Ensemble (4-6),
Concert Band (6-10), Jazz Band (1-2), and Jazz Ensemble (1-2). Percussion Ensemble is a
performing ensemble open to all other percussionists. All percussionists that did not make another
performing ensemble are expected to sign up for percussion ensemble. Additionally, all
percussionists are strongly encouraged to participate in Marching Band, either in the battery
(drumline) or the front ensemble (see Marching Band below).
All Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
String Ensemble is the performing ensemble open to all string instrumentalists. An audition is NOT
required to participate in this ensemble. All string players may waive their audition and participate in
String Ensemble. A limited number of string instrumentalists on each instrument are selected for
Symphony Orchestra each school year. This advanced ensemble is for students who demonstrate a
high level of proficiency on their instrument. Acceptance into Symphony Orchestra is by audition
only. All string instrumentalists who do not make Symphony Orchestra or who do not audition are
expected to sign up for String Ensemble.
Jazz Ensembles
Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble are auditioned jazz performing ensembles available to all
saxophones, trombones, trumpets, rhythm section players (drumset, bass, guitar, piano,
vibraphone). Audition is strictly required for acceptance in these advanced ensembles. Participation
in either of the jazz groups for all musicians (except for guitarists) is contingent on the student being
a participant in at least ONE of the other instrumental ensembles. Guitar
Guitarists are strongly encouraged to participate in the guitar elective music classes. These courses
are open to all Conestoga students of varying guitar ability levels, and may be taken multiple times.
Any guitarist that wants to be considered for one of the jazz ensembles must audition. A limited
number of guitarists are selected for the jazz ensembles each school year (see Jazz above).
Additionally, all guitarists are strongly encouraged to play in the front ensemble of the Marching
Band.
Piano
Pianists are strongly encouraged to participate in the piano lab elective music classes. These
courses are open to all Conestoga students of varying piano ability levels, and may be taken multiple
times. Any pianist that wants to be considered for one of the jazz ensembles must audition. A limited
number of pianists are selected for the jazz ensembles each school year (see Jazz above).
Additionally, all pianists are strongly encouraged to play in the front ensemble of the Marching Band
(see marching band below). Pianists may also audition with Mrs. Dickinger to be an accompanist for
one of the choirs. Marching Band
Marching Band is a extra-curricular performing ensemble that meets once a week during the
evening. The Conestoga High School Marching Pioneers perform at all football games and select
other events throughout the fall. All music students are STRONGLY encouraged to participate in the
Marching Band. Specific information will be out in the early spring. Additional information can be
found on www.stogamusic.com.
!
We look forward to meeting you next year at Conestoga, no matter what you choose to do. Best
wishes in your final year of middle school! Please visit out music department website:
www.stogamusic.com and become a member in order to receive emails and weave through the site
to learn about what’s happening in the Conestoga Music Department. Please call Mr. Nation or Mr.
Boccuti at (610) 240-1022, or email us at either NationC@tesd.net or BoccutiG@tesd.net if you have
any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Instrumental Music at Conestoga
Should I take private lessons?
It’s your choice, but remember that private lessons with a specialist on your instrument will only help
you to improve! Many students at Conestoga take regularly scheduled private lessons outside of the
school day. TEMPO (Tredyffrin-Easttown Music Parents Organization) has published a Private Music
Teacher list, which is included with this packet. Can I do a sport and marching band?
Yes. Many of our current marching band members participate in a fall sport and the marching band.
We’ve even had members of the football team who perform the half-time show with the band!
Students who participate in both groups will work closely with their coaches and the marching band
staff to “share” the time equally. You’ll be busy, but it’s not impossible and many students do this
successfully each year!
What instruments have the MOST opportunity at ‘Stoga?
Bass, Low Brass, Clarinets, Horns, Tubas, and Double Reeds.
How much time will I need to devote to practice?
It is recommended that students engage in intelligent, thoughtful practice for a total of 180-210
minutes per week. The recommended way of accomplishing this involves daily practice for an
average of 30 minutes per day. Effective practice techniques are discussed in ensemble rehearsals. How do instrument rentals work?
Students may rent a school owned instrument from the high school music department. Sign out
sheets are available on a first come, first served basis. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain
their own instrument whenever possible, as school-owned instruments are only available in limited
supply. Damage to any instruments as well as repairs during the rental period will be the
responsibility of the student renting the instrument.
How do I know what level of Guitar to sign-up for?
It is recommended that all incoming freshman enroll in BEGINNING GUITAR, unless they arrange for
an audition with Mr. Nation or Mr. Boccuti PRIOR to course selection.
How much time is involved with Marching Band?
Band Camp occurs in late August (2-3 weeks prior to the start of school) at CHS from 2:00 – 8:00
pm each day, Monday through Friday. During the school year, the band rehearses one night per
week (usually Wednesdays) from 5:45 – 8:15 pm. The band plays each Friday night during football
season at the varsity games and at various parades (2-5) throughout the fall and early winter.
Compared with other schools in our area, the time commitment for the marching band is very little.
Are there pull-out lessons at CHS?
No. Time is not currently provided during the school day for group lessons. Students may obtain
help with their instrument through arrangement with the directors. AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
(please prepare all required materials for your instrument)
!
CONCERT BAND, WIND ENSEMBLE,
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (WIND
INSTRUMENTS)
!
For All Ensembles:
• All scales, up to and including four sharps and four flats.
Please see the attached scale sheet for instrument
specific octave requirements. Scales should be
performed in the standard rhythm pattern, and prepared
either tongued or slurred.
• Chromatic scale, performed on the appropriate range
for your instrument. Please see the attached scale sheet
for instrument specific octave requirements. • Prepare and perform the designated etude or excerpt
for your instrument.
!
For Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra:
(In addition to the above requirements)
• Perform a sight reading passage, given by the high
school instrumental directors.
!
JAZZ BAND, JAZZ ENSEMBLE (WIND
INSTRUMENTS)
!
For All Ensembles:
• All scales, up to and including four sharps and four flats.
Please see the attached scale sheet for instrument
specific octave requirements. Scales should be
performed in the standard rhythm pattern, and prepared
either tongued or slurred.
• Chromatic scale, performed on the appropriate range
for your instrument. Please see the attached scale sheet
for instrument specific octave requirements. • Prepare and perform the designated jazz etude or
excerpt for your instrument.
!
For Jazz Ensemble:
(In addition to above requirements)
• Perform a sight reading passage, given by the high
school instrumental directors.
!
For All Trumpets:
• Range Exercise: Starting on your middle C, play a
chromatic scale, in slow quarter notes, ascending until
you are unable to play any higher.
!
For Additional Consideration:
• Solo over one chorus of a concert Bb 12-bar blues. Use
the provided backing track and chord changes.
!
JAZZ BAND, JAZZ ENSEMBLE (RHYTHM
SECTION)
!
For All Ensembles (Drums):
• Prepare and perform the designated jazz etude or
excerpt for your instrument.
• Demonstrate the following grooves:
Swing with sticks (slow, medium, fast)
Funk/Rock
Ballad (with brushes)
Samba (2-3 clave, 3-2 clave)
!
For Additional Consideration (Drums):
• Demonstrate ANY of the following grooves:
Afro-Cuban 6/8
Shuffle (with backbeat)
Swing with brushes (slow, medium, fast)
Bossa Nova
Mambo
For All Ensembles (Piano, Guitar, Vibes):
• All scales, up to and including four sharps and four flats.
Scales should be played as many octaves as possible
and be performed in the standard rhythm pattern.
• Prepare and perform the designated jazz etude or
excerpt for your instrument.
!
For Jazz Ensemble (Piano, Guitar, Vibes):
(In addition to above requirements)
• Perform a sight reading passage, given by the high
school instrumental directors.
• Comp over one chorus of the given set of chord
changes.
!
For All Ensembles (Bass):
• All scales, up to and including four sharps and four flats.
Scales should be played as many octaves as possible
and be performed in the standard rhythm pattern.
• Prepare and perform the designated jazz etude or
excerpt for your instrument.
• Walk over one chorus of a standard Bb 12-bar blues.
!
For Jazz Ensemble (Bass):
(In addition to above requirements)
• Perform a sight reading passage, given by the high
school instrumental directors.
!
For Additional Consideration (All):
• Solo over one chorus of a concert Bb 12-bar blues. Use
the provided backing track and chord changes.
!
Page 4 of 5
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE, CONCERT BAND,
WIND ENSEMBLE, SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
(PERCUSSION)
!
For All Ensembles (Snare Drum):
• All 26 standard rudiments from the Percussive Arts
Society. Please see the attached percussion rudiment
sheet (26 standard rudiments are marked with an *).
Rudiments should be performed at a steady march
tempo.
• Prepare and perform the designated snare drum etude
or excerpt.
!
For All Ensembles (Timpani):
• Prepare and perform the designated snare drum etude
or excerpt. Students will be given the lowest pitch, and
be required to find the upper pitches without the benefit
of a pitch pipe.
!
STRING ENSEMBLE, SYMPHONY
ORCHESTRA (STRING INSTRUMENTS)
For All Ensembles:
• All scales, up to and including four sharps and four flats.
Please see the attached scale sheet for instrument
specific octave requirements. Scales should be
performed in the standard rhythm pattern, and prepared
either slurred with one bow per octave or with separate
bows per note.
• Prepare and perform the designated etude or excerpt
for your instrument.
!
For Symphony Orchestra:
(In addition to above requirements)
• Perform a sight reading passage, given by the high
school instrumental directors.
!
For All Ensembles (Mallets):
• All scales, up to and including four sharps and four flats.
Please see the attached scale sheet for instrument
specific octave requirements. Scales should be
performed in the standard rhythm pattern.
• Chromatic scale, performed on the appropriate range
for the mallet instrument. Please see the attached scale
sheet for mallet specific octave requirements.
• Prepare and perform the designated etude or excerpt
for your instrument.
!
For Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra:
(In addition to above requirements)
• Perform a sight reading passage, given by the high
school instrumental directors.
!
Page 5 of 5
BCMEA
High School [Grades 9 thru 12]
Wind and Percussion Audition Requirements (Page 1)
Major Scales
1.
Students must be prepared to perform from memory the following major scales.
C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, G, D, A, E
2.
All major scales will be performed using the following rhythm pattern.
3.
The minimum tempo for the nine major scales is M.M. != 100. Students may perform scales at a
faster tempo if they so choose provided the tempo is steady.
4.
Students must be prepared to perform the major scales with both a slurred and tongued articulation.
5.
The following OCTAVES for major scales will be required for the audition with no variation.
Instrument
Octaves
C
F
Bb
Eb
Ab
G
D
A
E
PICCOLO
TWO
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
FLUTE
TWO
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
THREE
OBOE
X
ONE
TWO
X
Bb/Eb SOP.
TWO
X
CLARINETS
THREE
LOW CLAR.
TWO
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
BASSOON
TWO
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ALL SAXES
ONE
X
X
TWO
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
TRUMPET
ONE
BAR. T.C.
TWO
X
TROMBONE
ONE
X
BAR. B.C.
TWO
BASS
TWO
X
ONE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
TROMBONE*
TUBA
TWO
X
X
X
X
X
X
MALLETS
TWO
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
F. HORN**
TWO
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
*All Bass Trombone Scales will start on the tonic notes below the staff
** French Horn Starting Pitches
Continued on Next Page
(High School Wind and Percussion Audition Requirements page 2)
Chromatic Scales
1.
Students must be prepared to perform from memory the listed chromatic scales.
2.
All chromatic scales will be performed using the following rhythmic pattern.
3.
The minimum tempo for the chromatic scales is MM. ! != 100. Students may perform scales at a faster tempo if they so choose
"
provided the tempo is steady.
4.
Students must be prepared to perform the chromatic scale with a slurred articulation. A breath may be taken between the
ascending and descending scale.
5.
The following OCTAVES will be required for the audition with no variation:
Three Octaves
Two Octaves
Flute: C-C
Piccolo: F-F
Eb/Bb Sop. Clarinet: F-F
Oboe: C-C
Mallets: C-C
Bassoon: F-F
Two and a Half Octaves
French Horn: G-G in Treble Clef
Low Clarinets: E-Bb
Trumpet & T.C. Baritone: C-C
All Saxophones: Bb-E
Trombone & B.C. Baritone: Bb-Bb
Bass Trombone: Pedal Bb to E above the staff
Tuba: Bb-Bb
Percussion
BCMEA
[Grades
7 thru
12]the Percussive Arts Society in lieu of scales.
1. Snare drum students will be responsible for the
26 standard
rudiments
from
String
Audition
Requirements
(Please
see the
enclosed chart)
Major
Scales
2. All Rudiments will be performed open to closed and back
to open.
1.
Students must be prepared to perform from memory the following major scales.
2.
All major scales will be performed using the following rhythm pattern:
3. Timpani students will be auditioned on a three drum set up. Students will be given the lowest pitch and be required to find the
C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, G, D, A, E
upper two pitches without the benefit of a pitch pipe for both their sight-reading and prepared piece.
Scoring Breakdown
SCALES: 25 % of the total score.
3.
The minimum tempo for the nine major scales is M.M. ! = 80. Students may perform scales at faster tempo if they so choose
provided the tempo is steady.
SIGHT-READING: 25 % of the total score.
4.
Students must be prepared to perform the major scales slurred with one bow per octave and with separate bows for each note.
5.
The following OCTAVES for major scales will be
required50
for%
theofaudition
withscore.
no variation.
SOLO:
the total
Instrument
VIOLIN
Octaves
C
F
Bb
Eb
TWO
X
X
X
X
TWO
THREE
CELLO
BASS
G
D
A
X
E
X
NOTE: THE USE OF XEROX COPIES AT THE AUDITION IS PROHIBITED
THREE
VIOLA
Ab
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
TWO
THREE
X
ONE
X
TWO
X
X
X
X
X
X
Chromatic Scales
1.
Students must be prepared to perform from memory the chromatic scales listed below.
2.
All chromatic scales will be performed using the following rhythmic pattern.
X
X
PERCUSSIVE ARTS SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL DRUM RUDIMENTS
ALL RUDIMENTS SHOULD BE PRACTICED: OPEN (SLOW) TO CLOSE (FAST) TO OPEN (SLOW) AND/OR AT AN EVEN MODERATE MARCH TEMPO.
I. ROLL RUDIMENTS
10. NINE STROKE ROLL *
A. SINGLE STROKE ROLL RUDIMENTS
1. SINGLE STROKE ROLL *
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15. SEVENTEEN
STROKE ROLL
C. DOUBLE STROKE OPEN ROLL RUDIMENTS
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OPEN ROLL *
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8. SIX STROKE ROLL
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II. DIDDLE RUDIMENTS
16. SINGLE PARADIDDLE * œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
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17. DOUBLE PARADIDDLE *
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9
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PARADIDDLE-DIDDLE
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LR
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R L R R L L R L R R L L
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* These rudiments are also included in the original Standard 26 American Drum Rudiments.
Copyright © 1984 by the Percussive Arts Society™, 110 W. Washington Street, Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46204
International Copyright Secured
All Rights Reserved
PAS INTERNATIONAL DRUM RUDIMENTS PAGE 2
III. FLAM RUDIMENTS
H
H
œ œ
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20. FLAM *
R
L
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21. FLAM ACCENT *
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24. FLAM
PARADIDDLE *
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35. SINGLE DRAGADIDDLE
œœœœ œ œ œ œœœœ œ œ œ
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36. DRAG
PARADIDDLE
#1 *
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37. DRAG PARADIDDLE #2 *
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38. SINGLE RATAMACUE *
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39. DOUBLE RATAMACUE *
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DRAG TAP *
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32. SINGLE
DRAG TAP *
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34. LESSON 25 *
L L R
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30. FLAM DRAG
R
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29. INVERTED
FLAM TAP
R
H
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œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
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28. SWISS ARMY
TRIPLET
L
H
H
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25. SINGLE FLAMMED
MILL
27. PATAFLAFLA
R
H
H
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
23. FLAMACUE *
26. FLAM
PARADIDDLEDIDDLE *
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IV. DRAG RUDIMENTS
œ œ œ
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31. DRAG *
R R L
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40. TRIPLE RATAMACUE *
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE PERCUSSIVE ARTS SOCIETY CONTACT PAS AT:
110 W. WASHINGTON STREET, SUITE A, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204 • E-MAIL: PERCARTS@PAS.ORG WEB SITE: WWW.PAS.ORG
TRUMPET
HORN
TROMBONE
!