Honor Band Festival

Students may choose to record their auditions as separate takes or as one continuous take, in either audio or video format. The audition deadline is December 1.

1.) At the beginning of the video, please state your name, school, and instrument.

2.) Perform a two-octave major scale of your choice (percussionists may play this on a marimba, vibraphone, or xylophone).

3.) Perform a two-octave harmonic minor scale of your choice.

4.) Perform a one-octave chromatic scale starting on the note of your choice.

5.) Perform the following excerpts:

Wind Players:

• A lyrical solo, etude, or excerpt, 30 seconds to 2 minutes in length*
• A technical or fast solo, etude, 30 seconds to 2 minutes in length*

Percussionists:

• Percussionists should submit two short selections that demonstrate strong playing on snare drum and mallets in addition to the scales above on mallets. Optionally, percussionists can include a third timpani playing excerpt.*

*You may use All-State Band or other honor band materials for your solos, etudes, or excerpts. Choose repertoire that is achievable, but also shows the best of your abilities. If you would like advice on selecting music audition music pieces, feel free to reach out to rvenneberg@western.edu.

Submit a link to your audio or video files on the Honor Band Website using the Audition and Application Form. You can generate a link by:

• Uploading your recording to a file-sharing service (such as Google Drive) and copying the link. Make sure sharing settings are set to “general access” or “anyone with the link can view” and “viewer.”
• Uploading your recording to YouTube. Set the visibility to “unlisted” and copy the link. Do not set visibility to “private.”

If you wish to submit an audition on more than one instrument, please submit a separate recording on another online form for each instrument.

All participants must pay the participation fee of $40*. You can pay the fee via our online store (click the “Participation Fee Payment” option), or you can contact the All-Colorado Honor Band Director, Dr. Ross Venneberg, at rvenneberg@western.edu if you would like to mail a check instead.

*If this cost is prohibitive, contact Ross – financial assistance may be available.

Pay Participation Fee

Thursday – Check in between 2:30 and 3:15 p.m.; afternoon rehearsal; evening concert by the Western Colorado University Symphonic Band.

Friday – Morning and afternoon rehearsals; sectionals with members of the Western Colorado University music faculty; a tour of Western’s campus; pizza party at the end of the day

Saturday – Morning rehearsal; concert at 2:00 p.m.