District Festival

FAQs

Who?

Ensemble students in grades 7 & 8 in Central MA have the opportunity to audition for Junior Central District Festival. 

What?

Students prepare a piece of determined repertoire, scales (melodic instruments & voice) or rudiments (snare percussion), and practice sight reading skills for an audition.  Audition music is purchased and provided by the school. Top scoring auditions in the Central District of Massachusetts are chosen to participate in a festival of performing ensembles. 

Sight Reading Practice CLICK HERE

When?

Auditions will take place the first weekend of February. If accepted to the festival, the two rehearsals and concert (3 days total) are in April/May. 

Where?

Auditions take place at Grafton High School. Another school (TBD) will be hosting the rehearsals and festival concert for accepted students. 

Why?

Selection to participate in a District Festival ensemble is an enormous honor. Students are challenged with higher level repertoire, work under highly acclaimed conductors, and also have the opportunity to experience rehearsing and performing with the top players from Massachusetts' Central District. At the Senior level, selection gives a student the opportunity to audition for All-State Festival. Acceptance also opens doors for students to apply for college scholarships from MMEA.