Rutgers Wind Band Auditions 2011-2012 / Dr. Kraig Alan Williams Director of Bands kraig.williams@ rutgers.edu Darryl J. Bott Associate Director dbott@rci.rutgers.edu AUDITION INFORMATION Majors (Please read VERY IMPORTANT) Non Majors proceed to next section Auditions for this year s wind bands will be somewhat different then in past years. Please be sure that you read this carefully as there continue to be some changes that experienced performers should be aware of. Seating for this year s wind bands will be determined through a two-stage process in cooperation with the private instructor of each studio. The performance audition will be evaluated by the director and associate director of bands with the results for each instrument being forwarded to each studio faculty member for final verification and adjustment. Date Wednesday August 31 10 a.m. 10 p.m. Thursday September 1 10 a.m. 6 p.m. ]Sign up sheets for times are posted outside of MMB 115 Please also fill out the Audition Registration form available and bring with you to the audition. *Please note ALL majors need to audition during these times with no exceptions! As in the past, department policy requires performance in one of three instrumental ensembles, Orchestra, or in order to remain eligible for lessons. The department reserves the right to make this assignment! You may of course choose to perform in multiple ensembles or in other ensembles such as Sinfonia, but your primary ensemble must be one of the three listed. Those students auditioning for Rutgers Symphony Orchestra or any ensemble should NOT make any assumptions about placement and audition appropriately to be sure of a valid department approved assignment. *Undergraduates please note: This audition may also count as the audition for RU Sinfonia. Location Marryott Music Building Share Recital Hall 2 nd floor
Audition Requirements There will be three elements to the audition process, totaling approximately 8 minutes: 1. Prepared piece of your choosing a. Maximum of 3 minutes. Please prepare either a section or movement from a concerto, sonata or an etude. Choose something that displays your technical and musical strengths. 2. Orchestral Excepts a. Maximum of 3 minutes. Select one (1) except from the excerpts provided for your instrument. Excerpts available at www.masongross.rutgers.edu 3. Sight-reading a. Maximum of 2 minutes. A very brief sight-reading excerpt will be provided to you 10 minutes before you audition. The piece is lyrical, not technical in nature, and is designed to highlight your abilities. Informal Scoring A total of 30 pts will be considered for each of the above requirements. (Prepared Piece, Required Excerpt and Sight-reading) 10 pts tone & intonation, 10 pts technique, rhythm and articulation, 10 pts musicianship 9.0 10 = Outstanding 7.5 8.9= Excellent 6.0 7.4 = Very Good 4.5 5.9 = Good 1.0 4.4 = Not Qualified Results Will be posted by Monday, September 5 at 4 p.m. REHEARSALS BEGIN ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6. PLEASE NOTE: THIS WILL BE THE ONLY MAJOR AUDITION FOR WIND BANDS FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR. THE PERFORMANCE FACULTY WILL BE WORKING ON A PROCESS FOR MID-YEAR SEATING ADJUSTMENTS TO BE ANNOUNCED IN THE NEAR FUTURE. NON MAJORS Non majors, both BA and outside of department, may audition for Dr. Kraig and Professor Bott on an informal basis according to the following instructions. This is the audition for or only. There is a Concert Band that meets in the spring semester only. There is no audition necessary for that group. This audition may also qualify you for lessons if space is available! PERCUSSIONISTS should contact Professor Bott for alternative information about the entire process. Date Thursday, September 1, 7-10 p.m.
Location Marryott Music Building Share Recital Hall 2 nd floor Please also fill out the Audition Registration form available and bring with you to the audition. Repertoire Two classical short excerpts no longer than 4 minutes one to demonstrate tone and phrase, one to demonstrate fast technical performance. These may be chosen from an etude book, solo or standard repertoire or from the required orchestral excerpts provided on the music department website www.masongross.rutgers.edu Sight-reading Maximum of 2 minutes. A very brief sight-reading excerpt will be provided to you 10 minutes before you audition. The piece is lyrical, not technical in nature, and is designed to highlight your abilities. Results Will be posted by Monday, September 5 th at 4:00 p.m. REHEARSALS BEGIN ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 TH. Please contact Prof. Bott at dbott@rci.rutgers.edu if you should have any questions or if you require alternative scheduling. Wind Band Concert Schedule 2011-2012 Programming & guest soloists for both ensembles soon to be announced! FALL 2011 Friday, 10/14 Thursday, 10/29 Friday, 11/11 Thursday, 12/8 Monday, 12/12 SPRING 2012 Thursday, 2/16 Friday, 2/17 Friday, 2/24 Friday, 3/2 Wednesday, 3/7 Wednesday, 4/25 Thursday, 4/26 Friday, 4/27 Conductor s Collegium Concert Rutgers Wind Band Festival Rutgers Wind Band Festival New Jersey Music Educators Convention WE & SB Please note: times for these two performances will be announced. They will definitely be during the day. 5 th Annual Artist in Residence Week Concert Band Please note: rehearses on Tuesday & Thursday 3:55-5:55 rehearses on Tuesday & Thursday 7-9 p.m.
Audition Advice What to do: Present a professional image (You only get one chance to make a first impression) Take control of the situation (Plan what you are going to play and do) Dress for the occasion Be on time and warmed up Make sure that your instrument and reeds are working properly Leave your case(s) outside the room Have your instrument out and ready Introduce yourself Get the committee s attention Speak clearly and look people in the eye Know correct pronunciations Listen to a recording of the excerpts so that you will be familiar with traditional tempos Choose music that is appropriate/and get advice. Don t change repertoire less than one week prior to the audition Prepare well in advance Demonstrate your ability and facility Dazzle with your blazing technique Show the depth or your musical soul Communicate if you have a legitimate problem (well before the audition) What not to do: Do not make excuses or apologies (for anything) Don t draw attention to problems (the panel may not notice) What not to say: I haven t warmed up I haven t had a chance to practice I didn t know.. Nobody told me. I just got this horn What should I play? I don t have my instrument (mutes etc.) I didn t bring any music with me
You may find the following guidelines helpful (as presented by Eric Hoover, former President of the National Flute Association) Initial Impression Dress well, shine your shoes, pay attention to personal grooming (visual impressions are important) Demonstrate that you are a good colleague as well as a good musician Show confidence without being cocky Audition Execution Give yourself plenty of time to do everything (i.e. get up early, have a leisurely meal, arrive early to the audition, etc.) Avoid over-practicing, which may cause fatigue Warm up well and practice audition material under tempo At the site. warm up alone an don t listen to other players Perform your selections in an order that maintains the committee s attention Play to your own standards-don t try to second-guess how the committee would like something performed Take some risks-communicate musically Maintain a positive appearance even if you do not play well Take written notes about the audition experience