Band 4

Concert Band 4 Audition Requirements

Welcome to NMME! We are glad that you will be auditioning and performing with us this year! Band 4 is designed for students who have completed 3-4 years or more of instruction on their instrument. The following is an outline of the audition process for Concert Band 4. Please read the instructions carefully. The audition outlined below is the minimum requirement for placement in Band 4.

Membership in NMME Band 4 requires the student to annually complete a playing assignment to maintain their status in the band.  The following outline of requirements may EITHER be completed before the end of the second semester OR in August at auditions for the next school year.

Requirements are as follows:

Winds:

1. Play from memory as many major scales and arpeggios as possible. Multiple octaves are encouraged where possible. Also, play the chromatic scale a minimum of one octave.

2. Play the etude for your instrument. Choose the file for your instrument, attached below. Start at the top of the page and play as far down the page as possible. Do not worry if you cannot play all of it, but work to play as much as you can.

Percussion:

Percussion students will perform the same audition as outlined above for the wind instruments on both snare and mallets.

1. Snare drum – play the etude

2. Mallets – play scales and etude as outlined for wind instruments above

If a student chooses to complete this playing assignment before the end of the second semester, there are two options for doing so.  First, the student may play portions of the assignment each week for the director either before or after class as time permits.  Example:  play one or more scales each week until all are completed.  The same goes for the etude.  Secondly, the student may opt to record themselves and send the recording to the director via Google Classroom.  If the student chooses this option they may record all the scales and etude onto one recording.  Or record scales on one recording and the etude on another.  ALL Scales, including the chromatic scale, MUST be on one non-stop recording.  No starting and stopping of the recording.  (If you make a mistake - start a new recording.  Do so until they are all played correctly.)  You may play from a scale sheet, but record yourself so that your entire instrument and fingers are visible. If you have questions, see Mr. Irby.

NOTE:  Students who are selected to the District Honor Band or All-State Band, or who at least pass to the second round of All-State auditions are exempt from this requirement!  Same for Seniors!!