Wind Ensemble Auditions

WHAT IS THE BHS WIND ENSEMBLE?

The Belmont High School Wind Ensemble is an auditioned ensemble for students in grades 10-12. Priority for placement is given to students who participated in Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band during the previous year. We strongly encourage instrumental students to engage in a full four-year music education journey at Belmont High School, as it fosters growth and artistic development. Members of this ensemble are typically performers at the Senior District level.

Wind Ensemble students are encouraged to audition for Senior Districts or WIBC next year. Please note that if a student chooses to audition for and participate in WIBC, they may not be able to participate in Senior Districts, as WIBC typically takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving, which coincides with Senior Festival auditions. Next year is an ON year for MICCA. Participating in performances outside of the school day is an important and enriching part of being in Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band.

My goal is to help students perform at the District or All-State level. For those not yet technically ready for Wind Ensemble, we offer placement in Symphonic Band, a welcoming non-auditioned ensemble for students in grades 9–12. Students who take a year “off” from an ensemble are still eligible to audition for Wind Ensemble, but we strongly encourage students to remain consistently involved in our music program throughout their high school journey. Continuity in music education not only strengthens skills but also allows students to grow as artists and enjoy the many rewards of being part of our music community.

YOUR AUDITION

The Wind Ensemble audition process takes place throughout the school year, as you show your best self, commitment, engagement and participation in the daily rehearsal process. While this in-person audition shows your ability to prepare and perform at a certain level of technical skill/proficiency, your ability to prepare, collaborate and do your best work in your ensemble also plays a part in the director's decision. This year, in-person auditions for returning members and new members will take place during the week of March 3-7, 2025. 

REPERTOIRE

The audition repertoire is this year's Senior Festival audition solo (all movements specified on the audition doc), as well as a chromatic scale. Students will be placed in the group that is appropriate for them based on their technical skill level, musicianship, and observed rehearsal etiquette from prior years in the program. 

View repertoire list HERE.
Download parts HERE (still being updated as of 1/24/2025)

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR AN AUDITION - sign-ups are closed as of 2/28/25.

1. Please sign up for a Wind Ensemble audition time slot below. Dates available are March 3-7, 2025. There will be no late auditions (if a student decides to audition after March 7th, they will be placed in the Symphonic Band).

2. Please fill out the "Membership Form".

PHILOSOPHY OF THE PROGRAM

Both the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble are taught in the same style with the same high expectations. The Wind Ensemble repertoire centers around (music grading) grade 4-6, and the Symphonic Band performs repertoire at the 3-4 grade level. There will be multiple opportunities for the ensembles to perform together, forming the BHS Wind Symphony. Both ensembles will be taken to the MICCA Concert Festival in 2026. Membership in the Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble enables a student to audition for the Mass Music Educators Association District and All State festivals. It is important for students to be in the ensemble that is appropriate for their technical skill level, as it will ensure an appropriate level of challenge leading to success in progressing on their instrument. We encourage all students who play a band instrument (woodwind, brass, or percussion) to keep music constant in their lives by being artistic and expressive in either ensemble. 

Important articles/videos to ponder as you are making a decision about membership in a performance music ensemble in high school:

• NAFME Article: Music Education and Academic Achievement

• NAFME Article: Important Benefits of Music In Our Schools

• Ted Video: How Playing an Instrument Benefits Your Brain

• Brain & Creativity Institute at USC Article: Music training can change children’s brain structure and boost decision-making network

• Penn Medicine Article: Playing an Instrument: Better for Your Brain than Just Listening

• Time Article: This Is How Music Can Change Your Brain

Audition Excerpts - Click on document and scroll down