Private Teachers & Advanced Auditions

PRIVATE TEACHERS:

If at any time you are interested in a private teacher for your child, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  I would be more than happy to provide you with a recommendation.  Private teachers are wonderful for all types of students.  For the beginner, a private teacher can help to establish a solid foundation.  For the more advanced student, a private teacher can hone in on that child’s strengths and weaknesses, while continuing to challenge him/her with appropriate music.  Students who intend to audition for region band typically study privately.  For more information about region band, see the Central Jersey Music Educators webpage listed below.  Information can also be obtained in the band room.

CJMEA Intermediate Region Band Info:

The link above will be updated when more information becomes available. Use the scale information - it will not change.

What is REGION BAND?

Region Band is an honors band that students from Central Jersey may audition for.  The audition is for students who excel in the Thomas Jefferson Band.  Normally, these students take private lessons to get the extra help that is needed to successfully prepare for the audition.  If you are interested in a private teacher, please see Mr. Lopez for a recommendation.

How do you audition for REGION BAND?

Students must be recommended by Mr. Lopez to be eligible for this audition.  Normally, 7th and 8th graders audition for this group.  However, in special circumstances, 6th graders may also be recommended.  Students who want to audition must be in “good standing” with the TJMS Band.  (ie. Exemplary behavior, attends rehearsals, learns TJMS Band music, helpful to others, etc.)

What do you need to prepare in order to audition for REGION BAND?

1. A specific solo (which will be announced via Google Classroom- but will very likely come from the Concert and Contest book published by Rubank) 

2. Your major scales and your chromatic scale.  The major scales are to be performed quarter note followed by eighth notes (tongued and slurred).  Your chromatic scale must be prepared slurred with even eighth notes. All scales must be memorized.

3. Sight-reading.  Yes, you will see something for the first time at the audition, so you can’t prepare for that specific piece.  But, you can practice sight-reading!  Smart Music is a very helpful program for practicing sight-reading.  Visit www.smartmusic.com.