CALENDAR

Concert Band Auditions

Jan 11 @ 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

The audition is a 200 point test grade. Students will receive full credit as long as it is clear they prepared and give it their best effort. We (judges: myself, Mrs. Souder and Dennis) recognize and take in to account that some students get very nervous under audition pressure. This is natural and is a life lesson in and of itself. It is a great way to prove how preparation is crucial – when true muscle memory and learned technique must shine through. I will talk to students about this Monday.

Please remember that all students of the same section must audition on the same day. Extenuating circumstances will be remedied on a case-by-case basis to preserve fairness and equal opportunity. Any student who can NOT stay after school on their day of auditioning will need to audition during class time. No exceptions. Those students need to speak up and come forward early for auditioning. If a student waits around, chooses not to audition during school and cannot stay after, they will receive a 200 point test grade zero, but will make still need to perform their audition assessment later.

**Any students who are not sufficiently prepared, or do not perform at the minimum standard (much detail in the attached letter), for auditions and playing tests, will be required to repeat the audition/test at a later date at a time suitable for student and teacher. These practices/policies are to help students form better practice habits and spread ensemble responsibility more evenly, aside from the basic education of developing better instrumentalists.

Auditions will begin next Tuesday, January 8th. We will go over some of the handbook, expectations, and class logistics on Monday. If you are new to concert band, please complete the last page of the syllabus/handbook, and the other applicable forms on the website, and return by your student’s audition date. Here is the link: https://www.buckhornband.com/parents/documents/

If your student uses a school-owned instrument, including all percussion (whose instruments, sticks, mallets, etc are provided), please submit your $80 instrument rental fee with form as soon as possible.

STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR INSTRUMENTS EVERY DAY, even if they are not auditioning – there is a lot to do, always. INSTRUMENTS MUST BE IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION! (Including: reed instruments must have 2 additional reeds ready (already broken-in), brass instruments must have ALL valves and slides easily movable, and all instruments should be void of leaks. The playing quality of the instrument (including the mouthpiece/reed/slides/sticks/mallets) makes a huge difference. Students should always bring their instrument to me first if they have any problems – I can often fix it. And finally, we will be having playing tests throughout the semester, in class. The playing tests will be very brief but may include any scales or short portions of rehearsal material.

Auditions with Mr. Souder and Dennis will begin as quickly as possible during 4th block and continue after school until all students have auditioned. Auditions with Mrs. Souder will begin around 3:00 and continue after school until all students have auditioned. (This is why Mrs. Souder is auditioning smaller brass sections, other than being an experienced brass player.)

** No auditions should go beyond 4:30 especially if students are prepared. Audition results may be posted as we go throughout the week, if possible,but will definitely be posted (on Facebook page and website) by Friday evening.

Tuesday, January 8
Clarinets, Bass Clarinets (Mr. Souder)

Wednesday, January 9

Saxophones, Oboes (Mr. Souder)

Trombones, Tubas (Mrs. Souder)

Thursday, January 10

Percussion (Dennis)

Trumpets (Mr. Souder)

Friday, January 11

Flutes (Mr. Souder)

Horns, Baritones (Mrs. Souder)

Categories: Auditions Concert Band Symphonic Band

Dec

12

Thu

Christmas Concert – BHS Gold Gym 7:00

Tickets

Dec 12 @ 7:00 PM

(details TBA)

Categories: Concert Band Symphonic Band

Dec

17

Thu

2020 Winter Concert – Gold Gym

Tickets

Dec 17 @ 7:00 PM

The Buckhorn High School Band’s 2020 Winter Concert will be Thursday, December 17th at 7:00 in the BHS Gold Gym (the main big one). Admission is free!

*Classroom and gym event safety protocols will be employed – social distancing, masks, and 50% capacity – which leaves room to exceed our typical concert attendance.
*Please remember that students who are in-person at daily rehearsals are required to attend for a test grade. Please communicate any safety concerns directly to me.

Our students received several exciting pieces of literature yesterday which we will study and work hard to prepare over the next month! Students should be doing their own personal practice study regularly.

We hope you will all come and invite all of your family and friends! The concert should last about an hour and is sure to help get us all in the spirit of the season.

Additional notes to consider:
We will not have after school rehearsal on the day of the concert. Students will be released at the bell, should get home, eat and change.
ALL STUDENTS CONCERT ATTIRE MUST BE AS PREVIOUSLY STIPULATED, including length of pants/dress – hemmed with slight break on the shoe.
Students leaders return at 4:45 to begin preparation for setting up in the gym.
Everyone else needs to return to the band room in full concert attire by 5:00, at which time we will move and set up everything in the gym (as basketball practice concludes).

Please keep in mind that we want families and friends to be able to take pictures and take the opportunity to enjoy each other’s fellowship, but students will need to take care of moving all of our chairs, stands, equipment, etc. back to the band room first.

Categories: Concert Band Symphonic Band

May

20

Thu

Spring Concert @ Dream Theatre @ The Rock FWC

Tickets

May 20 @ 7:00 PM

ALL Jazz Band and Concert Band students/parents, please read all of the following concerning the SPRING CONCERT:
This Thursday, May 20th at 7:00 is our Spring Concert at The Rock Family Worship Center’s “Dream Theatre” (enter from Holmes Avenue). We are putting final touches on the program this week – students really need to avoid missing class this week if at all possible.

DETAILS FOR STUDENTS:
On Thursday, student call time is no later than 5:00 ON STAGE, FULLY DRESSED in concert attire so we can begin sound/visual checks working backward through the program, to finish by 6:30. Don’t be late to call time and don’t walk in half-dressed.
*I am looking for student volunteers who have the ability to arrive by 4:30-4:45 to help get chairs and stands set by 5 for the full ensemble.

CHECK YOUR CONCERT ATTIRE NOW. Parents, please ensure your student’s attire is mended correctly (pant/dress length – not bunched up at the foot), and that gentlemen wear a solid white undershirt and TALL BLACK SOCKS with their tux. Ladies need closed-toed solid black flats or low heels. All hair must be neatly pulled back.
*Your dress and “look” reflects you, your family, your section, & our band, in that order. Please do your best to help us be “uniform”. It matters.