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Information for New Martin Band Students:
0 Years of experience playing a band instrument - These students should register for Beginning Band and/or rank band as their first choice when selecting classes. Please do not purchase an instrument before classes start. Beginning students will undergo "instrument fitting tests," rank their top instruments, and receive their instrument assignment during the first week of classes. An audition or music experience is not required to register for Beginning Band. If students register for band and are not able to get into the beginning band at first, contact Mr. Giambusso and we will get the schedule adjusted.
1+ Years of experience playing a band instrument - Students with one or more years of experience playing a band instrument from elementary school are able to audition for Concert Band (Intermediate Band). Students will not be able to sign up for Concert Band when registration happens. After successful completion of the audition, Mr. Giambusso will submit student info to the counselors who will hand schedule the student into the class. Experienced students will need to send an audition video of them performing two items:
Scale - Concert Bb Major Scale with Arpeggio.
Solo - Perform the solo that is required for current Martin students (linked below) OR perform a line from your method book with at least 8 measures of music.
Please email Mr. Giambusso cgiambusso@wcpss.net if you have any questions about registering for band.
Symphonic and Concert Band Audition Instructions & Music (Required)
All students will perform and record their Concert Bb Major Scale/Arpeggio and a 8 measure excerpt of a solo for their instrument.
Both the solo and scale should be recorded in ONE continuous video. Pause for a moment in between each. Do not cut clips together or submit separate videos. Your face and instrument should be visible in the video.
Audition music can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lPC9oq6eSMjQrda3D7aq6VCPBnFnmz4I?usp=sharing
Submit your audition video here: https://forms.gle/oLVDuHHexYY45iCv7
Videos are due by Friday, April 10, 2026 by 11:59 PM.
Jazz Band Audition Instructions & Music (Optional)
Jazz Winds/Vibes Audition (1 video):
One video of the student performing HEAD of "Blue Monk" by Thelonious Monk (Video) at 110 BPM or with backing track.
Wind players in jazz band must play one of the following instruments: Alto, Tenor, or Bari Saxophone; Trombone, or Trumpet
IMPORTANT: If you are auditioning for jazz on a wind instrument that is not one of the above, the expectation is that you will take lessons over the summer and learn to play one of these instruments if selected. (e.g. Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoons would take saxophone lessons. French Horns would take Trumpet lessons. Low Brass would take Trombone lessons.)
Jazz Piano/Bass/Guitar Audition: Perform the 12 bar exercises indicated for your instrument at 110 BPM or along with the backing track in the audition music folder.
Jazz Drums (1 video): One video of the student performing 8 measures of each groove - Big Band Swing groove, a Funk/Rock groove, and a Bossa Nova groove. No backing track required. Metronome recommended and perform at notated tempos.
Audition music and backing track can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lPC9oq6eSMjQrda3D7aq6VCPBnFnmz4I?usp=sharing
Submit your audition video here: https://forms.gle/oLVDuHHexYY45iCv7
Videos are due by Friday, April 10, 2026 by 11:59 PM.
Audition Results for Current Students
Audition results will be shared with current students on Monday, April 20th, 2026. Students will be given a letter with their placement that they must sign stating that they are committing to joining that band(s) for the entire upcoming school year.
Registering for Band: Current Martin students should not select a band when registering for classes. Mr. Giambusso will send the list of student placements to counselors and they will schedule students into their correct ensemble. This schedule change may not show until summer break.
What bands am I being considered for?
Below are the four ensembles that require auditions. All experienced students who audition will be placed in at least one of these ensembles.
2nd Period - Magnet Symphonic Band
Auditioned Ensemble - An advanced concert style band for Martin students with atleast one year of experience in MS Band. This ensemble participates in MPA performances, Pep Band, Honor Bands, and goes on our Spring Band Field Trip! Students in this ensemble also study audition techniques, solo performance skills, scales, and small ensemble music.
3rd Period - Magnet Jazz Band
Auditioned Ensemble - Our most advanced band class. This a Jazz Big Band for Martin students with experience in MS Band. Students participate in many performances outside school including the Broughton Fusion Concert, Jazz MPA, Honor Bands, Pieces of Gold, Stampede Step-Up, and Mustang Madness. Students will study improvisation and a variety of music styles including Jazz, Funk, Latin, Blues, etc. Audition or director recommendation is required to join this ensemble. *Students must also be registered for Symphonic Band or Advanced Orchestra to take Jazz Band.*
4th Period - Magnet Percussion Ensemble
Auditioned Ensemble - A percussion class for all 7th - 8th grade Martin Percussion students with experience in MS Band. All 7th and 8th grade percussionist will be placed into this class. The auditions will determine which students will be selected as the primary percussionists for either Symphonic Band or Concert Band. Students in this class study all aspects of classical and world percussion. As a percussion only class, students get more in-depth one on one instruction in percussion techniques and performance.
8th Period - Concert Band
Auditioned Ensemble - An Intermediate Concert Band for Martin students with one year or more of experience in Middle or Elementary School Band. This is class is desgined to review concepts studied in elementary band or beginning band, while also developing new skills. Students will go more in depth in scale and technical exercises to prepare students for higher level ensembles and music. Students in this class are eligible to audition for honor bands. Audition or director recommendation is required to join this ensemble.
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