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AUDITION INFORMATION
2024 - 2025 FOR RETURNING STUDENTS...
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ABOUT THE BAND PROGRAM...
The MtH Bands are academic courses in which students learn concrete, intellectual knowledge, and the physical skills and disciplines necessary to perform on a musical instrument, as well as an appreciation for music, musicianship, and beauty. The MtH Bands are comprised of students in 9th - 12th grade who elect to participate in band. Similar to other academic courses, the bands meet daily during the 50-minute class period. Unlike other academic courses, in the Band Program the quality of the end product and other students' educational experiences depend on the combined efforts of the ensemble.
All students are welcome, including pure beginners and students interested in switching from another instrument. QUESTIONS? Please contact Mr. Fischer (Band Director) at [email protected] for more information.
The MtH Bands are academic courses in which students learn concrete, intellectual knowledge, and the physical skills and disciplines necessary to perform on a musical instrument, as well as an appreciation for music, musicianship, and beauty. The MtH Bands are comprised of students in 9th - 12th grade who elect to participate in band. Similar to other academic courses, the bands meet daily during the 50-minute class period. Unlike other academic courses, in the Band Program the quality of the end product and other students' educational experiences depend on the combined efforts of the ensemble.
All students are welcome, including pure beginners and students interested in switching from another instrument. QUESTIONS? Please contact Mr. Fischer (Band Director) at [email protected] for more information.
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Wind Ensemble (GT) / Marching Band
The MtH Wind Ensemble (GT) is a curricular ensemble open to students in grades 9 - 12 that explores standard repertoire for winds and percussion. This group performs multiple concerts throughout the year, performing music at an advanced grade level of difficulty. Students in this ensemble are eligible to receive GT (weighted) credit. *Marching Band is a required component of this course, however participation is very flexible. See below for more information. |
Symphonic Band / Marching Band
The MtH Symphonic Band is a curricular ensemble open to students in grades 9 - 12 that explores standard repertoire for winds and percussion. This group performs multiple concerts throughout the year, performing music at an intermediate grade level of difficulty. *Marching Band is a required component of this course, however participation is very flexible. See below for more information. |
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Symphonic Winds / Marching Band
The MtH Symphonic Winds is a curricular ensemble open to students in grades 9 - 12 that explores standard repertoire for winds and percussion. This group performs multiple concerts throughout the year, performing music at an intermediate/advanced grade level of difficulty. *Marching Band is a required component of this course, however participation is very flexible. See below for more information. |
Percussion Ensemble (GT)
The MtH Percussion Ensemble (GT) is a curricular ensemble open to students in grades 9 - 12 that explores and develops percussion techniques/skills, as well as repertoire designed specifically for percussion instruments. This group performs multiple concerts throughout the year as an ensemble and also as an extension of the Symphonic Band. *Marching Band is a required component of this course, however participation is very flexible. See below for more information. |
Mt. Hebron Marching Unit
We are very proud of the history and tradition of the MtH Marching Unit (MU) that dates back to 1964 when the school first opened. The MU is an all-inclusive ensemble that combines the talents of the Percussion Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and Wind Ensemble. This ensemble is joined by two auditioned auxiliary groups: The Cavaliers (Colorguard) and the Lancers (Dance Team). The MU is visible throughout the community and region, performing in parades, community events, and during pregame and halftime of all home football games. Students also enjoy the opportunity to perform as a Pep Band for away football games and other athletic events throughout the year.
NOTE: Marching Band is a required component of the Mt. Hebron Band program, however participation is flexible. Winds and percussion students that are enrolled in a performing ensemble will be asked to choose one of the following options. For more details or to discuss specific concerns, please reach out to Mr. Fischer.
We are very proud of the history and tradition of the MtH Marching Unit (MU) that dates back to 1964 when the school first opened. The MU is an all-inclusive ensemble that combines the talents of the Percussion Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and Wind Ensemble. This ensemble is joined by two auditioned auxiliary groups: The Cavaliers (Colorguard) and the Lancers (Dance Team). The MU is visible throughout the community and region, performing in parades, community events, and during pregame and halftime of all home football games. Students also enjoy the opportunity to perform as a Pep Band for away football games and other athletic events throughout the year.
NOTE: Marching Band is a required component of the Mt. Hebron Band program, however participation is flexible. Winds and percussion students that are enrolled in a performing ensemble will be asked to choose one of the following options. For more details or to discuss specific concerns, please reach out to Mr. Fischer.
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OPTION A - Full Marching Participation
As a full marching participant, students are required to attend:
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OPTION B - Modified Marching Participation
As a modified marching participant, students are required to attend:
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AUDITIONS...
NOTE: ALL students are welcome in the Band Program. Auditions are for placement only. These auditions ensure that you are scheduled in the ensemble that best fits your educational needs and musical proficiency.
Below you will find a list of core skills and fundamentals that students must demonstrate with proficiency in addition to the formal audition. This is an important list because over time it is not uncommon for poor habits to become ingrained in muscle memory. As a result, significant time and practice is needed to reinforce proper technique. Students should be focusing on these points of technique every day. Returning students should keep in mind, the audition happens every day in class and via demonstrated progress throughout the year. The Formal Audition is only one component of a complete audition.
Prerequisite Skill Set
Given the nature of large group musical instruction, every individual need is not easily addressed on a regular basis. Because of this, I am always willing to meet with individual students during Viking Time or before and after school (as schedules permit). Private lessons provide even more focus for students to achieve their individual goals. The vast majority of Wind Ensemble members have engaged in consistent private study at some point in their musical development, and most are currently taking lessons. I would be happy to provide additional information and help find a teacher with whom you will work well. I want to help every student achieve their musical goals. Please keep in close contact so that we can put together a plan with an appropriate and achievable timeline. Never hesitate to ask for feedback as you prepare for an audition or playing test.
NOTE: ALL students are welcome in the Band Program. Auditions are for placement only. These auditions ensure that you are scheduled in the ensemble that best fits your educational needs and musical proficiency.
- All returning students have the option to audition for placement into the Symphonic Winds or Wind Ensemble.
- All returning students that do not audition will be placed into the Symphonic Band or Percussion Ensemble.
- Students interested in the Jazz Ensemble/Combo... Auditions are held in the fall. More information will be posted as school begins.
- Students interested in the MtH Marching Unit... The MtHMU is a required component for all Wind and Percussion students. No audition is required!
Below you will find a list of core skills and fundamentals that students must demonstrate with proficiency in addition to the formal audition. This is an important list because over time it is not uncommon for poor habits to become ingrained in muscle memory. As a result, significant time and practice is needed to reinforce proper technique. Students should be focusing on these points of technique every day. Returning students should keep in mind, the audition happens every day in class and via demonstrated progress throughout the year. The Formal Audition is only one component of a complete audition.
Prerequisite Skill Set
- Proper (fundamental) playing position and posture\
- Full, resonant and consistent tone production
- Clear articulations and note-lengths
- Mastery of all current ensemble music
- Mastery of all current ensemble Daily Drill Exercises
- Daily demonstration of a positive attitude, positive participation, work-ethic, and a desire to grow & learn
- Daily demonstration of maturity and proper rehearsal etiquette
Given the nature of large group musical instruction, every individual need is not easily addressed on a regular basis. Because of this, I am always willing to meet with individual students during Viking Time or before and after school (as schedules permit). Private lessons provide even more focus for students to achieve their individual goals. The vast majority of Wind Ensemble members have engaged in consistent private study at some point in their musical development, and most are currently taking lessons. I would be happy to provide additional information and help find a teacher with whom you will work well. I want to help every student achieve their musical goals. Please keep in close contact so that we can put together a plan with an appropriate and achievable timeline. Never hesitate to ask for feedback as you prepare for an audition or playing test.
COURSE REGISTRATION GUIDELINES
- Students currently enrolled in band should register for the same ensemble they are currently in when completing course registration materials.
- Students not currently enrolled in band should register for
- Woodwinds/Brass... MU - 500 (Symphonic Band)
- Percussion... MU - 480 (Percussion Ensemble)
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HOW TO AUDITION...
Step #1: Review, Print, and Rehearse the AUDITION REQUIREMENTS Step #2: Submit your video HERE! |
Audition Videos are due no later than... Friday, January 19
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AUDITION GUIDELINES
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AUDITION TIPS
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