Study Smart:Stand Out at School

Performing Arts: Band and Choir Survival Tips

Why Join a School Band or Choir?

• Band has improved my life because I learned a lot about music.
• It gives me something to be a part of that really matters.
• I made friends for life.
• We get to travel all over.
• It's fun. Yeah, it's work, but it's really fun, too.

Contributed by: Katra.c, Jana.b, Dana.m, Staci.w and Jennifer.r

Prepare for an Audition for Band
or Chair Test

If you want to try out for band, you've got to have confidence in yourself. It doesn't matter if you make a mistake. Everybody makes mistakes. Practicing is always the best you can do to sound perfect. As the saying goes, " Practice Makes Perfect." --Monica.m

• Try to pick two pieces that show off your very best music skills.
• A solo piece, a concerto, a band march or fight song is good
• Work for four or five minutes of music
• Play at your own level
• Don't play a higher octave than you're used to
• If you don't work with a teacher, tape record yourself
• Listen to what you are playing. Does it sound musical?
• Don't audition until you can play without breaks or missed notes.
• Practice, practice, practice!

At the Audition

• Be ready to play all the major scales
• Be ready to take a sight reading test
• If you play more than one instrument, start off with your very best.
• If you blow it, just keep going. Everyone makes mistakes.
• Be ready to play very softly and very loudly or soft and loud.

After the Audition

• If you don't get the chair you want, don't sweat it.
• Ask your teacher what skills you don't have and work those.
• Ask if you can retest in a month or two.
• Some schools have music coaches for free. Get one if you can.
• If you do get the chair, that's great!
• If you're first or second chair, try to help your section members improve.
• Have practice and pizza parties to make working together fun.
• Get into concert band and jazz and as many groups as you have time for. Try different styles.

Audition for Choir or Chorus

Thanks to Sheri from Oregon for telling us about the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir. This incredible group of girls has 145 members that audition every year - even returning singers. Here's what their director looks for when evaluating a singer for membership in their group.

• How accurately can you sing your part?
• When other people are singing, can you hold your part and be steady and confident?
• Does your voice have a nice tone and are you in tune?
• This group performs, so do you have a facial expression that is "alive!"?
• What's your attitude? You have to able to get along in a group. A positive attitude is necessary
• Can you pay attention during rehearsals?
• Can you learn and memorize your music quickly
• Do you have a good attendance record at rehearsals and performances?
• Do you listen to the director when he/she tries to guide you?
• When you say you will do something, will you do it? Are you responsible?

Thanks again to Sheri, 14, Oregon, for this information.

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Voices

Choir isn't just Christmas anymore. We sing at assemblies, Disneyland and festivals. We dance too. It's a great experience. --Amanda.h

You can learn music without spending money on an instrument. That's cool.--Robin.e

You can feel the energy in the air when we sing. It's so exciting! We're da bomb!--Charlene.m

Most kids are accepting. They're willing to expand their circle of friends. --Kristin.s

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