PLEASE READ COMPLETELY: Your ability to READ and FOLLOW directions is of utmost importance.  Students who come unprepared or not knowing what to do will not be seriously considered for upper level ensembles.

Below you will find the answers to these questions:
What are the audition Dates/Times?
Who needs to audition?
What are the ensembles?
What are the materials?

If after reading everything you still have questions, please email me for clarification. Thanks.

What are the audition Dates/Times?
Email Mr. Faul for a ten minute time slot on one of the following days. Those who are doing jazz and concert band only need one spot. Click here for available times.

Monday, April 26 - BTMS Day - Mr. Faul will come to the BTMS Band Room
2:40-6:00
Wednesday, April 28
2:10-6:00
Thursday, April 29
2:10-6:00

Who needs to audition?
For Concert Bands:
Incoming freshmen who wish to play in the Symphonic Band (non-auditioned ensemble) do not need to audition.  Current Symphonic Band students will be placed in the Wind Ensemble, unless they audition for Chamber Winds.  Current Wind Ensemble students will be placed in Wind Ensemble unless they audition for Chamber Winds. Current Chamber Winds students DO NOT need to reaudition at this time. However, it is possible that I will be having call backs and Chamber Winds Members 09-10, might be asked to defend their spot with the audition materials. I recommend practicing the materials.

For Jazz Bands:
All students interested in playing in jazz band (Jazz 1 or Jazz 2) next year need to audition.

PLEASE NOTE: I encourage all students to audition for upper level ensembles.  You never know, I might hear something in your playing or some potential and select you when you never thought it was possible.  Also, you might not really know how you compare to others or what the particular needs of an ensemble are.  If you are at all interested in excelling in music, please audition.

What are the ensembles?
Concert Bands:
There are three levels of concert bands at MTHS. 
Symphonic Band is primarily for entering Freshmen. 
Wind Ensemble is primarily for sophomores and juniors and any students who are not quite ready for the demands of Chamber Winds. 
Chamber Winds is the highest level of classical performing ensemble.  Students in this group are very serious about achieving a high level of musical performance personally and as an ensemble.  The group welcomes students of all grades. Students in this group are required to participate in the Summer Workshop August 10-14. All Band students are welcome to participate in the Summer Concert Band Workshop August 10-14.

Jazz Bands:
Jazz Ensemble 2 is the training ground for Jazz Ensemble 1, but also has a tradition of excellence as a band in and of itself.  Jazz 2 participates in nearly all the same festivals as Jazz 1 including the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, a 3 day trip in February.  Students in this band sign a contract agreeing to participate fully, prepare parts, take private lessons, and other things.

Jazz Ensemble 1 is the highest level of jazz band.  Students in this band are required to sign a contract which includes committing to out of class sectionals once a week, private lessons, participation in the summer workshop (August 17-21), and participation in all gigs, concerts, and festivals, etc. Summer workshop participation is required.

ALL JAZZ BAND STUDENTS MUST PARTICIPATE IN ONE OF THE CONCERT BANDS.

What are the materials?
Concert Bands
1. Required Piece (Click Here)
2. Sight-reading - To prepare for the sight-reading portion, practice sight-reading over the next few days!
3. Scales
Please have the following (Concert Pitch) scales prepared (one octave) and memorized:
            Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, F, C, G
            Bb Chromatic Scale

Jazz Bands
1. Jazz Etude (Click Here)
2. Your Choice (not to exceed one minute)
3. Sight-reading
4. Scales
Please have the following (Concert Pitch) scales prepared (one octave) and memorized:
            Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, F, C, G
            Bb Chromatic Scale