The Concert Band is open to all freshmen and sophomore instrumentalists. Students will focus on the fundamentals of rehearsal etiquette, breathing and support, mature tone production, embouchure placement, precision of rhythm and tempo, uniformity of articulation, and intonation through performance of a wide variety of literature. Students will explore the concepts of musicality by improving their dynamic contrast, addressing phrasing, and exploring emotion. Students in the Concert Band are required to perform in all four school concerts, chamber projects, any and all community events which involve the Marching Orioles, and all contest and festival performances, including the spring music trip.
Seating Placement Auditions will take place during class-time, Sept. 28 – Oct. 2. All students will need to take this short, low-pressure, audition. The purpose of this audition is to ensure that all students are put in a situation where they can be successful. Placement audition materials will be made available in the near future.
Student Expectations for Rehearsal
Students will:
- Appropriately prepare for the start of rehearsal by warming up using long tones, lip slurs, and scales.
- Be quiet, attentive, and respectful members of the ensemble. Student musicians will effectively use their time and be confident, prepared, and professional members of the ensemble.
- Use their pencils often to correct consistent errors, mark key, time, and tempo changes, and to remind themselves of form, style, articulation, and dynamics.
- Use critical listening skills to adjust for balance, intonation, and clarity of articulation.
- Perform a wide variety of literature that demonstrates their ability to understand and perform different styles of music.
- Continue to develop individual and ensemble rhythmic accuracy, and to maintain consistent pulse through a wide range of tempos.
- Perform with expression, characteristic style, and a deep understanding of phrase structure.
- Be passionate and prideful members of the BHS Band.