Naperville North Band Auditions

We’re glad that you’re considering participating in one of the finest and most comprehensive band programs in the country. At NNHS, we believe that all aspects of a band program can achieve excellence, without sacrificing the quality of one group for the sake of another. You’ll find that there is a place for you in NNHS bands, whether you are just here for one period a day, or want to make the band room your home away from home.

The variety of opportunities at NNHS may seem overwhelming. Don’t just make assumptions or rely on “what you’ve heard”. E-mail the band directors with questions or concerns at:

dmoore@naperville203.org or

bvankley@naperville203.org.

There are no stupid questions, only incorrect assumptions!

Study the list below carefully to see what categorie(s) you fit into:

• I will be a Freshman band musician next year, and wish to audition for the Second Band: Wind Symphony. You need to take the appropriate audition packet and show up for the audition date (see below for specific audition procedures). All incoming Freshmen Brass and Woodwind players who wish to be in the upper group take the “B” Audition. Your directors will post sign-up sheets in early March. Your guidance counselor will assign you to the band we recommend after auditions are completed.
• I will be a Freshman band musician next year, and wish to participate in the introductory band class: Concert Band.
  Or: I will be a sophomore, junior, or senior next year, and wish to remain in the introductory band class, either on my principal instrument or on a secondary instrument. No audition necessary. Don’t take an audition packet. Just register for Concert Band. We may come around to the junior highs later in the Spring to listen to you play a couple of lines from your Essential Elements books (mainly just to get to know you).
• I will be a sophomore, junior, or senior next year (any instrument), and want to audition for Wind Symphony or Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Upperclassmen who wish to advance no farther than the Wind Symphony should also take the “B” Audition packet. Upperclassmen who wish to advance to the Wind Ensemble or Wind Symphony must take the “A” Audition packet (IMEA required etudes).

Audition Proceedure

Auditions for Wind Ensemble (grades 10-12 only) and Wind Symphony (open to all grades) will take place at NNHS. A sign up sheet for audition times will be distributed to the junior highs in early March. Audition slots are 6-10 minutes long, depending on instrument. Because we hire in experts on those specific instruments to judge the auditions, make-up auditions after the fact are impractical (nearly impossible). So, please make arrangements to attend and stay healthy!

Please take either an A or B audition packet for your specific instrument. It should include etude(s) which reflect both lyrical and technical proficiency, and a Scale Sheet. Percussionists will have a Snare Etude, a Xylophone Etude, and a Timpani Etude (no scales). Percussionists will perform all of the etudes in their entirety, plus sight reading on all three instruments.

The music is challenging. When it comes to our younger players, we’re not looking for perfection. We’re looking for potential! During the audition, wind players may only have to play a small portion of each etude, and a few lines of the scale sheet. You won’t know which portions the judge will pick until you get in the room, so you do need to prepare the whole thing. But, don’t try to practice the whole etude at once (Especially trumpet players. You’ll only wear yourself out!). Work on just one small section at a time. Make sure that you are working on sounding good, not just playing all the right notes and rhythms. Correct notes and rhythms are only part of your score. The rest is for good tone quality, intonation, articulation, and expression. In other words, the judges are not “counting mistakes”. They are getting an overall impression of your skill and potential as a developing musician. You can miss a few notes and still do well in the other categories.

The scale sheet should be a gimme. Just practice each line until it’s practically memorized (It should be tongued). Make sure you prepare for the sight-reading by reading as much new music as you can get your hands on. Pay attention to key signatures and expression markings. And don’t rush! It’s not a race! Arrive about a half-hour before your audition time so you can find your room, warm-up in the auditorium, and get mentally prepared for the audition. When you go in, introduce yourself to the judge and prepare to play the etudes. Advice: Don’t start making excuses like “I’ve been sick” or “I haven’t had time to practice” or “This is a new read”. Just play your best on the etudes, scales, and sight-reading. Then thank the judge and leave. (Hint: Dressing professionally and acting courteously usually is the best way to present yourself in these situations.)

The results of the auditions will be posted on the NNHS Auditorium outer windows within a week (Scores will not be posted, and will not be revealed at any time!). Only those selected for Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony will be posted. All others will be placed in Concert Band. The guidance department will be given these results, and will make the appropriate schedule changes.

Audition Summary

• Auditions are at NNHS.
• See your director to sign up in advance
• Pick up either A or B audition packet for your instrument
• Arrive 1/2 hour before your time to warm-up
• Do your best!
• Results posted at NNHS within a week.