AHS DRUMLINE
AUDITIONS
Each spring the Abilene High School Drumline holds auditions for the following Marching Band season. All students interested in being a member of the Drumline must attend. This includes 8th graders who will be 9th graders in the fall. This also includes double reed players (oboes and bassoons) - your instrument is suitable for outdoor playing, so you must either learn another instrument, or be a member of the color guard, or be a member of the pit.
ALL
STUDENTS planning to be in Pit or Battery
MUST
ATTEND
ALL
Audition days!
2006 SCHEDULE
Monday April 17, 6-8 pm
Monday April 24, 6-8 pm
Monday May 1, 6-8 pm
Monday May 8, 6-8 pm * Final cuts
Monday May 15, 6-8 pm * Drum Captain audition
Over the course of these 5 weekly rehearsals in April and May we will work on the Technique Program, Warmup Exercises, and Marching Fundamentals you will use in the fall. Beginning with the 2nd rehearsal, cuts will be made to determine your placement.
AVAILABLE SPOTS
It is the policy of the Abilene High School Band to find a place for everyone who wishes to join. This spring we expect a big turnout since we have a very large and talented 8th grade class. Returning members (vets) are not guaranteed the same spot as last year - everyone must audition.
All students will be able to tryout on any instrument. In the Battery, there are no guaranteed spots because of the limited number of instruments. Therefore, not everyone can get their first choice, so be flexible and remember the ultimate goal is to assign spots based on what is best for the entire Drumline. Go to your first choice instrument first, then if you are cut from that instrument you can go to your second choice, etc. Snares and tenors are usually the first sections finalized since they are the top choices of many players.
A student who wishes to be in the Pit will automatically have a spot in the Pit, but must still attend Auditions to learn fundamental techniques and exercises and to determine which instrument(s) he or she will play (Auxiliary, Rack Drums/Cymbals, Timpani, or Keyboards). Students who do not secure a spot in the Battery will still be able to participate in the Pit.
PLACEMENT AND CUTS
Placement in a section is based on the following attributes:
Dedication - Show that you can make the commitment to be at every rehearsal, on time, with all required materials.
Improvement - Demonstrate that you have practiced and fixed mistakes between rehearsals.
Attitude - Be enthusiastic and willing to make adjustments. If you think you already know everything about percussion, you don't need to be a part of the Drumline.
Ability - Obviously, how well you play and march will determine a large part of your placement, but it is not the only factor.
By the end of the May 8th rehearsal, all Battery and Pit positions will be final, and all percussionists and their parents will be required to sign contracts to accept their spots and the responsibilities that follow. The next rehearsal, May 15th, will be a full drumline rehearsal where the candidates for Drum Captain will take turns running sectionals and demonstrating their leadership abilities to determine who will be the best for the job. Drum Captain and other leadership will be announced at the Band Banquet May 20th.
COMMITMENT
Due to the nature of the marching band activity, all members are expected to demonstrate a very high level of commitment. If individuals are not committed to one common goal, the entire group suffers. In short, drumline is commitment to TIME and GRADES.
If you cannot give up the time required for rehearsals after school and weekend performances, and you cannot maintain passing grades in all classes, then you should consider another activity which requires less commitment. See the INFO page for summer and fall schedules.
Please carefully consider conflicts with sports, theater, family vacation, and work before deciding to join. We want you to be involved in many activities, but we cannot function as a band if members are not at rehearsals and performances.
Questions ? Email Mr. McKnight
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