NBDA AudItions: Grades 7/8/9 

Union Bands 7th, 8th, & 9th Graders are eligible and encouraged to audition for the NBDA Jr High All-District Honor Band.  We are proud to represent well in this annual process.

DATE & Location
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Union High School

GETTING STARTED

PARTICipATION

Auditioning for the NBDA Jr-High All-District Honor Band is mandatory for: 7th Grade students enrolled in 2nd year 3rd, 6th, and 7th Hour Classes, for 8th Graders enrolled in 5th Hour and 6th Hour Bands, and for 9th Graders enrolled in 1st Hour Wind Ensemble. Auditioning is optional for all other Union Bands 7th, 8th, and 9th Grade students.

REGISTRATION

  • 7th & 8th Graders will register directly thru their class band director

  • 9th graders register online

    • Registration Deadline: Fri, Dec 6, 11:59pm

    • CLICK HERE to register

Audition Music

See a Band Director for the etudes or the method books as needed, as well as sight reading prep materials. Sight-reading as presented during the audition itself. (8th and 9th graders)

Fee

A $15 entry fee applies for this event, but will not be collected at the event. The fee will been charged to the student's PRESTO account after registering. 

Audition Preparation Tips: WEEKS & MONTHS BEFORE THE AUDITION

  • Don't wait until the last minute to practice; you have over six months to prepare, so take your time and prepare thoroughly! 

  • 8th and 9th Graders: practice sight-reading.

  • Don't forget to work on the scales. 

  • Employ the use of a Private Lesson teacher to help you prepare.

  • Use a metronome!

DAY OF AUDITIONS

Audition Schedule

  • Auditions cuts will be posted at each audition room at approximately 8:00am.

  • 8:15am sign-in at instrument auditions rooms to see your posted approximate audition time and sequence. The first audition begins at 9:00am.
    BE SURE TO SIGN IN AT YOUR AUDITION ROOM.

  • Auditionees should monitor the pace of the audition room throughout the day, as no-shows may lead to audition times being moved up.

  • Results will be posted in the main lobby of the campus on the trophy cases outside the Media Center.

  • The audition process itself is relatively short in time, however because of the nature of a randomized, blind audition (meaning the judges cannot see the students), the audition process takes up the majority of the day. The schedule below is more of a loose schedule of events for the day that the students will complete based on what time their audition has been randomly scheduled to take place.

  • After auditioning, the student is released to go home.

Audition Procedures

  • Take your music and pencil and go locate your audition room. Signs will help you find your way. Once you arrive at your room, mark the cuts in your music that are posted on the walls (you will only play portions of each etude).  Also write down the assigned scale (Concert F, Bb, or Eb). Remember that the chromatic scale is also required for the audition.

  • DO NOT MISS YOUR AUDITION TIME or SEQUENCE!

    • If you require an early audition time please discuss this with the room monitor to be rescheduled.

    • If you are an early number, go warm-up in the Gym immediately. If you are a later number, you can practice a little (don’t overdo it!) and keep checking in at your room to see what number they are on.

    • Please realize that some people won’t show, so not every number will be used.

    • Keep in contact with your room monitor to see the progress of the numbers.

    • Warm-up when your number is close and be at your room ready to play by the time there are 2 auditionees ahead of you.

  • You should not talk inside the audition room. If you have questions, the inside room monitor will help you, simply whisper your question to him/her.

  • Percussionists: The timpani and a marimba will be provided. You can bring your own snare drum if you want.

  • Play your best!

Communication

  • Talking Points and Canvas

  • REMIND

    • The Remind Code for 7th Graders is @union7aud We will send information throughout the day as needed.

    • The Remind Code for 8th Graders is @union8aud We will send information throughout the day as needed.

    • The Remind Code for 9th Graders is @union9aud We will send information throughout the day as needed.

Auditions Hints, Rules, & Reminders

  • Remember to bring

    • music (etudes & scales sheets)

    • instrument

    • supplies (extra reeds, etc)

    • Percussionists: Don’t forget to bring mallets and sticks.

  • Dress is normal school attire. The judges will not see you, so there is no need to dress up. School dress code always applies.

    • One strategy to consider is to dress a bit nicer than you normally dress for school. Though judges will not see you, dressing up a bit will put you in a stronger frame of mind for performing your audition. Don't overdress to the point where you're uncomfortable.

  • Warm-up area is in the South Lobby for wind players, and in BR3(1613) for percussionists. Do not play in the halls or restrooms.

  • Keep conversations in the hallways quiet so you do not disrupt auditions.

  • Some instrument rooms may employ a prelims/finals format. 

  • Due to its complex nature, this is considered an all-day event, but you may choose to leave with your parents after you audition. Students may also choose to wait for the results of the auditions to be posted.

  • Consider bringing money to purchase refreshments.  Concessions will be available for purchase in the commons area. Please clean up after yourself.

  • The duration of time spent onsite at the audition is entirely dependent on when your audition. You could be done by 9:05am, or by 3:00pm. Be flexible. Some instrument rooms may employ a prelims/finals format; room monitors from the prelims rooms will give finalists a pass to the finals room. Be flexible.

  • After you are done auditioning, you may call your parents to pick you up. Plan for transportation.

  • You might want to consider bringing a mobile phone, iPod, book to read, etc. to help pass the time before/after your audition. You are personally responsible for any belongings that you might choose to bring, so please choose wisely on what items you decide to bring.

  • Remember, you are representing the Union Band Program and Union Public Schools. Your best behavior is both expected and required!

  • GOOD LUCK!

AFTER AUDITIONS DAY

Honor Band Clinic/Concert

Fri-Sat Feb 14-15, Union H.S.
for those students who are selected by audition to perform in the NBDA All-District Honor Band. Selected students are expected to fully prepare the clinic repertoire prior to the clinic rehearsals. 

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