Auditions

I have no information about middle school, but high school has already received their audition pieces for marching band.  Last year, everybody had the usual section of the school song, Maroon and White, and an excerpt from the marching show, Shangri-La.  This year, everybody has the same section from the school song, and a snip from an etude.  Sorry, no sneak peeks at the show.  We don't even know who it is.

My suggestion: take your instrument home, unless you have a home instrument.  Practice daily.  Practice all the time.  This is your new life.  This year, we have five freshman in first band, which is a lot more than what we usually have.  It may be a little threatening, because you're surrounded by upper classmen (juniors and seniors), but you become really close to them.  Sometimes you're even respected by them.  They always have your back.  They're the best.  Not to mention, you get the fun music during Christmas concert (this year we played Charlie Brown and The Polar Express, as well as a college-level medley).  If you have the dedication to practice that hard, then that means your ready for the first band music.  It isn't as hard as you think.  Especially if you get cut a lot.

Well, that's not always a good thing.  If you're in first band during marching band, you REALLY have to practice the music for the show, or otherwise you get EVERYBODY cut.  It happened to me this year.  Especially in Movement 2.  He would have us play a certain part individually, going down the row of four.  I would always get us cut.  It was really embarrassing.  But if he ever asks to do that, don't freak out.  Just relax.  Fretting is what messes people up.

Also, Mr. Monroe is retiring.  A new guy is coming in.  We don't know who.  I'm so sorry you never got to be his student.  However, I'm positive that he'll come to concerts.  He's changed our lives forever, that little rabid goofball.

First Band

Almost everybody wants to be in First Band.  It is natural.  You are higher up the food chain.  You play the higher notes, the harder parts, and the more fun music, but it is also a big responsibility.  When you receive your audition piece to try out in the spring before next year or the winter before the next semester, you have to practice hard.  Use dynamics, practice the jumps you have a hard time with, make sure each note comes out with a clear sound, and I swear, you will be high up.

However, some people find the music too intimidating.  I have to agree.  Most people in band are juniors and seniors, who have been playing for 4-5 years at least.  Some sophomores and freshman are also in first band, but they are usually in some extra curricular activity involving music (orchestra, choir, piano, private lessons, past instruments) or they just work their butt off.

A lot of people put in much more effort after attending the leadership seminar.  This is a seminar for those trying out for drum major or section leader.  They have somebody speak and talk about what a leader is to them.  The last speaker talked really fast so that way he would speed up how fast we processed things.  It really worked, believe it or not.

The point is, first band means harder music.  Yet it also means more hard workers.  Third band often has slackers, only wishing to achieve their physical education and fine arts credits.  Ergo, they don't work.  Some do not even play their music.  In first band, people strive.  You make friends with respected upper-classmen and receive the best help possible.  Of course, you have morning band practice during UIL season, but, then, after that, you are free, and if I am correct, which I usually am, you get to play with the orchestra.  That also means that crossovers have to choose with instrument to play.

If you don't think you're good enough for first band, shoot for second band.  People apply themselves, but the music is easier, not as fun, and there is less skill.  Not to mention Patricia is scary.  Clark is funny, Patricia is scary, and Monroe, well, he is something else.

In all, shoot for the stars!  You'll get there one day!  Just practice, challenge yourself, and WATCH OUT FOR THAT TREE!