District Honor Band

Last Year's Materials:

2020 GUHSD Showcase - Flyer.pdf

2020 GUHSD Honor Band and Orchestra

Concert Date: February 1, 2020, 7:00pm

Location: Cuyamaca College


Audition Date and Location:


Audition Requirements:

  • Prepared piece - ask your director for your piece (Band Cycle 2 - Orchestra Cycle 1)

    • Percussionists must prepare Mallets, Snare, and Timpani

      • Percussionists will select which of these three instruments will be used for sight reading

    • If you would like to be considered for Orchestra Concertmaster, you must also prepare for the CM Violin Audition piece

  • Band Scales

    • 4 Scales: (2 octaves, if possible) D Major, Gb Major, Eb melodic minor, and B melodic minor.

    • Chromatic scale - lowest note to highest note, both ascending and descending

    • Printed copies of scales available through your Band Director.

  • Orchestra Scales

    • All scales must be memorized. Minimum tempo is quarter note = 52. Violins, violas, and cellos - 3 octaves. Double bass - 2 octaves

    • Violin: A Major / a minor and D Major / d minor

    • Viola and Cello: D Major / d minor and G Major / g minor

    • Double Bass: A Major / a minor and B Major / b minor

  • Sight Reading selection - provided at the audition


Recorded Auditions: (Concertmaster auditioners MUST audition in person)

Recorded auditions may be submitted at the discretion of the Honor Group Coordinator and must be pre-approved by your Band Director. All recordings must be submitted before January 8, 2020. Acceptable submission formats include: digital recording on a flash drive (mp3), Audio CD or Data CD with recording mp3 format. Recorded auditions must include the following:

  • State your name and instrument

  • Scales

  • Prepared piece

  • Sight read a piece provided by your Band Director


ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT

All Honor Group participants must commit to attending EVERY sectional or rehearsal and the concert. Absence for any reason may result in dismissal from the group at the discretion of a quorum of district band directors.


GUHSD Honor Group 2020 - Calendar Dates


Reading Session/Full Ensemble Rehearsal:

  • Wednesday, January 22 at Cuyamaca College, 6:00 - 9:00pm


Dress Rehearsals and Performances, Cuyamaca College

  • Thursday, January 30, 4:00pm - 9:00pm* *Meal provided

  • Friday, January 31, 9:00am-5:00pm*

  • Concert: Saturday, February 1, 7:00pm (call time TBD)


Preparing for Your Audition


  1. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast, nothing too heavy.

  2. Arrive at the audition early so you have time to relax and give yourself a nice long warm-up.

  3. Practice your prepared piece - slowly at first. Focus a beautiful tone, correct rhythms, and solid intonation. Pay close attention to stated dynamics and articulations, gradually working the piece up to stated tempos.

  4. Prepare your scales. The audition process can be very stressful. You will want your scales to become second nature. Memorize them at a slow tempo and gradually speed them up. Adding musicality (ex. vibrato) on your scales is a plus. On the chromatic scale, prioritize consistent rhythm and quality tone over extended range with poor quality tone.

  5. Don’t rush into your sight reading. You will be given 2 minutes to scan the piece. Note the tempo(s) and key signatures and/or key changes. Analyze any tricky rhythms, accidentals, or passages. Identify scales and arpeggios. After you have begun playing, do not stop. Do your best to play through to the end with a consistent tempo.


Every GUHSD Band Director wishes you good skill and desires that you have a fruitful audition experience. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask your director!