MT MOURNE SCHOOL

BASS CLARINET – ALTO SAXOPHONE – TENOR SAXOPHONE

AUDITIONS

Dear Parents,

At the end of January, your child will have the opportunity to audition for another instrument in the beginning band program. This opportunity is completely optional and not a requirement. Please read through the below information with your child so that you both have a clear understanding of what it takes to switch instruments.

INSTRUMENTS & SPOTS AVAILABLE:

Alto Saxophone: 3 spotsTenor Saxophone: 3 spotsBass Clarinet: 3 spots

  • These are the only spots available. The students that meet the below criteria and have the top score will receive the spots. Please DO NOT go out and purchase a new instrument until you have received further notification from Mrs. Becknell that your child has been accepted.

AUDITION CRITERIA:
The student will have…

  • MOTIVATION!!! Moving to a new instrument will take a little more effort and practice time at home in order to learn the new techniques. In addition, this may require you to arrive before or stay after school for a few lessons. If your schedule does not allow this, you may want to consider staying with the clarinet.
  • Exhibit Good Rehearsal Technique Daily: The teacher will be looking for students with good rehearsal technique over the school year and their current improvement. This includes bringing all materials to class, proper posture, and turning in all assignments on time, etc.
  • Be able to play the B Flat Concert Scaleon their current instrument.
  • Perform 1 song from their method book: #106 March Militaire on page 21.
  • Be able to demonstrate the fingerings for the B flat concert scale for the “new” instrument (Fingering charts will be provided).

COST of SWITCHING INSTRUMENTS:

Mt Mourne School is still in its early stages. Our band program has not inherited nor has the funds to purchase any of these instruments for our school at this moment. Therefore, any student wanting to switch to one of the above instruments will have to supply their own instrument. Music and Arts is willing to work with anyone in making this an easy transition for those currently renting through their company. However, keep in mind that a monthly fee can jump from $30 a month to as high as $60 a month.

AUDITION DAYS:

Auditions will take placeafter schoolon January 23rd and 24th. (student will only need to attend the day that works best for their schedule) Students will play their B flat concert scale and #106 for Mrs. Becknell. They will be scored using a grading rubric. For students interested in Alto Saxophone AND/OR Tenor Saxophone, they will also need to show me the fingerings of the “B flat Concert Scale” for the new instrument. (I will provide the instrument at this time). Students who are selected to move to a new instrument will be contacted within a few days of the audition.

AUDITION SIGN UP:

PRINT STUDENT NAME:

Place a check next to the instrument you are interested in auditioning to play. If you would like to audition for more than one instrument, please list them in order of preference using 1,2, 3.

Bass Clarinet

 Alto Saxophone

Tenor Saxophone

Do you already own any instruments listed above? (circle one)
Yes
No
Yes, but it’s old and may need repair.

PARENTS and STUDENT:

I have read and understand the above information. By signing this form, I understand that, if selected, I may have to put in extra practice time at home and/or at school. I am aware that it is my responsibility to supply the instrument and I’m aware there may be an increase in the rental fee if I choose to rent. In addition, I understand that I am not to switch to another instrument until I receive confirmation from Mrs. Becknell.

PARENT APPROVAL SIGNATURE: DATE:

STUDENT SIGNATURE: DATE: