Audition Central
This page contains information and resources to assist with audition practice (All-Dist., chairs, honor bands, etc.).
Use the links to access different resources, download etudes, see scales, and practice sight-reading!
Etude means "a study." It is music that is designed to teach or demonstrate certain aspects (range, technique, musicality, rhythm, etc.).
VBODA All-District Auditions require students to prepare an etude in addition to scales and sight-reading. Etudes are available in hard copy from the band room. Mr. Stanley distributed them at the end of October.
Advice for learning/practicing the etude...start slow! Make sure you are performing correct notes by slowly playing through. Determine how each note relates to the preceding and following note. This is particularly important for brass players to ensure they are on the correct partial.
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Etude books are also available for purchase from local and online retailers. Click here for a list of recommendations of standard books for each instrument.
Etudes
Yes! You can practice...
Sight Reading
Sight reading is playing something having never practiced or seen before. You can practice this skill! In fact, sight reading requires practice and it can be done in a variety of ways.
For example, randomly open your method book to a page and use the exercises there. Or, use an etude from another book. Do you have a hymnal or old music book? Open it up and play from your clef. You can even search Google images for "sheet music (insert instrument name here)."
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One great online resources is Sight Reading Factory. You can use the demo for free!
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An important part of practicing is making sure you can easily identify notes and fingerings at sight. There are two great free online tools for practicing this: www.musicracer.com and the note ID exercise on www.musictheory.net. You can customize the exercises for the needs of your instrument. Music Racer allows you to practice both fingerings and notes. Music Theory has other tools, too. By clicking on the "exercises" link of the main page you can practice identifying key signatures.
For rhythms only, use The Rhythm Trainer, online for free. Click here.
When practicing sight reading, it is important to approach it in the style of the audition. Use a timer (30 seconds for All-District auditions), pay attention to the key signature and tempo, look at difficult rhythms or notes in different ranges, figure out the direction of the melody, then TRY IT! Don't be afraid to make a mistake.
After you've tried it in "audition style," go back and examine the selection. Work out trouble spots and see what you could have done to read it better.
scales
Scales are the building blocks of music. They are fundamental and must be memorized and learned! Scales do not have to be boring. Scales make music, so make your scales musical. Practice different patterns, articulations, dynamics, rhythms, etc. all by using scales. All-District requirements for scales, octaves, rudiments, chromatic ranges, and percussion audition procedure are here . Percussionists: learn rudiments from the Vic Firth website!
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Want to see all the scales written out? Use your blue book, Habits book, or click here for a great website!
