Time for band auditions

If you are a new or a returning Encore Band member, please put August 28th on your calendar to audition for Intermediate and/or Jazz Band. Auditions will be held at the Morris Center - 146 Indian Ave. - Lawrence, KS. We will begin at 10:00 am and students will audition on a "first come" basis.

In order to know the level and ability of all the students, it is important that all members audition with Mr. Swischer. (new and returning beginning band members do not have to audition)

There are four levels of band: Beginning, Intermediate, Jazz, and Advanced Ensemble.

Beginning band is for those students that are just learning a new instrument, but it isn't just for the "very" beginner. Some students stay in the beginning level for two or more years. There are no auditions necessary for this level. Students range in age from nine years old - high school. Some students are in higher bands but want to start a new instrument and join the beginning band to play that instrument. Beginning band should be thought of as an "apprentice" band and being held back to play at this level is common.

Intermediate band (Concert Band) is our largest group and an audition is required to play at this level. All ages and grade levels are in this group.

Audition piece(s) for this band:

#1 - Regal March - found in Standard of Excellence - Book 1
#2 - A piece of your choosing that shows the level you are at

Jazz band - members are chosen by audition by Mr. Swischer. Email Mrs. Bachert if you are interested in auditioning for jazz band.

Advanced Ensemble is a select "chamber" group. This group is small and members are selected by the need of particular instruments to play chamber music. The student needs to have a superior audition and be studying with a private teacher. If you are interested in auditioning for this group, contact Mrs. Bachert for audition details.

If you are in any of these groups and WILL NOT be returning, please email Mrs. Bachert.

All groups are planning on beginning the rehearsal year on September 11th.

Why Participate in Fine Arts?

The following article was written by a homeschool
band director but is applicable to orchestra and choir as well.
So consider the title - "Why Participate in Fine Arts".

WHY TAKE BAND?

Written by Paul Somer

Instruments of Praise Band Homeschool Band Director – Houston, Texas

Music is a science

It is exact, specified; and it demands exact acoustics. A conductor’s full score is a chart, a graph which indicates frequencies, intensities, volume changes, melody and harmony all at once and with the most exact control of time.

Music is mathematical

It is rhythmically based on the subdivisions of time into fractions which must be done instantaneously, not worked out on paper.

Music is a foreign language

Most of the terms are in Italian, German or French; and the notation is certainly not English - but a highly developed kind of shorthand that uses symbols to represent ideas. The semantics of music is the most complete and universal language.

Music is history

Music usually reflects the environment and times of its creation, often even the country and/or racial feeling.

Music is physical education

It requires fantastic coordination of fingers, hands, arms, lips, cheeks and facial muscles; in addition to extraordinary control of the diaphragmatic, back, stomach and chest muscles, which respond instantly to the sound the ear hears and the mind interprets.

Music is all these things, but most of all, Music is art

It allows a human being to take all these dry, technically boring (but difficult) techniques and use them to create emotion and worship God Almighty. That is one thing science and mathematics cannot duplicate.

Your Child Should Study Music
To Gain These Benefits:

· Self Confidence

· Responsibility

· Mental and Physical Discipline

· Coordination - Dexterity

· Group Activity - Cooperation and Unity

· Creative and Recreative Activities - Self-expression

· Playing an instrument will put your child into worthwhile activities that will utilize constructive use of leisure time

· Research has shown that students who play in the band usually get better grades

· Increased joy of living through appreciation of the arts

· Development of a career or a vocation

· Being part of a team with a common goal

· Training to become a happy, cooperative and useful citizen

· Playing a musical instrument should provide pleasure for the child and the whole family

Please give your children the opportunity to learn to play musical instruments so that you and they may experience these advantages!