American Leadership Academy's Band Program

The choice to be in band is one of the most exceptional commitments you will ever make. There is no equivalent or comparable experience to band. You will be joining a performing ensemble that delves deep into the art of music. We will explore the immensely intricate and intellectual challenges of music performance, an amazing art that aims to directly transfer emotion through the production of sound! Experiences in band include extensive music skill development, opportunity for creative expression, public performance, travel, and development of lifelong friendships. This is all coupled with the dynamics of participation in a student lead organization that thrives on teamwork, goal based achievement, and pride.

CONCERT BAND AUDITIONS 2020-2021

For the 2020-2021 school year, students are asked to submit their audition ONLINE via SmartMusic.
Please use headphones while recording.

Placement into the Band 1 and Concert Band will be based off of your performance on assigned SmartMusic exercises. Students who wish to audition into Symphonic Band are encouraged to do so. Please see the Symphonic Band Audition Packet. Symphonic Band Audition music is also on SmartMusic.

• All Audition Materials are available on SmartMusic.
• All submissions for currently enrolled students must use SmartMusic.
• All new students for the 2021 school year will need to contact Mr. Wendell via email: mwendell@americanleadership.net
• All students will be evaluated on Tone, Tuning, Timing, and Touch (musicality).
• To be considered for placement, the auditions do NOT need to be 100% perfect, however, all material requested must be attempted. If any part is missing, the student will have not completed the audition and will be placed in Band 1.
Rubank scale patterns No. 1 and No. 3 from the Essential Elements Book page 40-41 must be played:

• Pattern No. 1 is the Ascending and Descending scales and arpeggios at 88 beats per minute in the following major keys:

1. Concert B-flat Major Scale and Arpeggio
2. Concert E-flat Major Scale and Arpeggio
3. Concert F Major Scale and Arpeggio
4. Concert A-flat Major Scale and Arpeggio

• Pattern No. 3 is the Scale in 3rds pattern at 92 beats per minute.

1. Concert B-flat Major Scale
2. Concert E-flat Major Scale and Arpeggio
3. Concert F Major Scale and Arpeggio
4. Concert A-flat Major Scale and Arpeggio

PERCUSSSIONISTS: Must play the Mallet Parts AND the Snare Drum Parts

SYMPHONIC BAND AUDITIONS 2020-2021

For the 2020-2021 school year, students are asked to submit their audition ONLINE via the Smart-Music, Google Classroom, or by email: mwendell+auditions@americanleadership.net with “SYMPHONIC BAND AUDITION” in the subject line.

1. Students need to record all three piece:

• Chromatic Scale,
• WIBC Minor Etude
• Danny Boy

2. Use any recording equipment software or app to record the auditions. Recommended:

• Mac—Quicktime, GarageBand or Audacity
• PC—Quicktime, Sound Recorder or Audacity
• Smartphone/Tablet—Search the app store for “free MP3 recorder.

3. Export the auditions in MP3 or MP4a formats. Video submissions are allowed, .MOV files preferred.

• ALL submitted files must be name in the following format: LastName FirstName Instrument Piece. For example: Wendell Mr. Bassoon Chromatic Scale.MOV

4. Submit your recordings:

• Mac—Quicktime, GarageBand or Audacity
• Via Smartmusic Assignments. Use headphones as to not interfere with your recording.
• Via Google Classroom Assignments.
• Via Email to mwendell+auditions@americanleadership.net.
• Each file you submit must be labeled!

JAZZ BAND AUDITIONS 2020-2021

AUDITION SUBMISSIONS TO BE COMPLETED HERE: https://forms.gle/2gWkcmGWgFhe9uve7

1. Prepared Selection: Charlie Parker's "Billie's Bounce" - medium tempo with standard or alternate chord changes (PDF attached). Use this play-along track:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ttn7D-WB9R0 (this track has 12 total choruses).

A. All winds/horns: 1 chorus of melody, 2-3 choruses of improvisation, 1 chorus of melody.

B. Rhythm Section:

- - - Piano/Guitar/Vibes: 1 chorus melody, 3 choruses of comping, 3 choruses of improvisation, 1 chorus of melody.
    - Bass/Guitar: 1 chorus melody, 3 choruses of walking bass line, 2-3 choruses of improvisation, 1 chorus melody.

C. Vocalists: sing with lyrics or scat sing the melody, 2 choruses of improvisation, 1 chorus of melody. (reference recordings on Audition Google Form).

2. Your choice of any Swing Selection (Jazz Standard): Play/sing a jazz classic or standard song in any jazz style, including the melody. You must provide the title of your piece and the composer or arranger. Must play the melody, 2 choruses of improvisation, 1 chorus melody.

3. Your full range chromatic scale in any consistent pattern and consistent tempo of your choice.

DRUM SET AUDITIONS 2020-2021

1) Play the following “Billie’s Bounce” blues choruses: 4 choruses of time, 2 choruses of trading 4s, 2 choruses of solo, repeat 2 choruses of time.

2) Demonstrate time in: Latin, Ballad (brushes), Hip Hop/Funk and Up-Tempo Swing. Play on song forms 1 minute each style. Include 1 chorus of improvisation for each style. Show what you know already.

Use this PLAY-ALONG TRACK in your preparation and in your submissions. Make sure that YOUR recorded part is heard clearly when submitting your recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ttn7D-WB9R0

AUDITION SUBMISSIONS TO BE COMPLETED HERE: https://forms.gle/2gWkcmGWgFhe9uve7