Symphonic Band:

Solo Performance Opportunities

 

West Chester University’s Band Camp and Clinic 

          Typically happening around the end of July/ beginning of August, West Chester University, PA, sponsors an intense 2-4 day camp and clinic.  You will mingle with students from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and other states.  According to your preferences, topics of interest include marching style and commands, drum corps instrumental techniques, drum major techniques and responsibilities, bandfront techniques, positive role development, and responsibilities within your band organization. 

           This has typically been an exciting, inspiring, and beneficial experience for all participants and their bands.  You are responsible for your own tuition payment and transportation; the band boosters may assist drum majors.   

MMEA/MENC All-State Band 

           You are encouraged to audition for this festival band composed of students from across the state of Maryland.  Auditions are typically held the 2nd Saturday (for Middle School and 9th Grade Students) and 3rd Saturday (for 10-12th Grade Students) of November at a school on Maryland’s western shore.  Audition materials are published at the start of the year; unless already owned by the school, you will provide or your own music.  Transportation to and from this audition will be your responsibility. 

           The All-State Festival is usually held on the last weekend of April to coincide with the MMEA/MENC Music Convention.   

ESBDA All-Shore Band Festival 

            You are encouraged to audition for this band composed of high school students from across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.  Auditions are usually held the 3rd or 4th Saturday of January at a local school (Salisbury Middle School for the last few years).  You audition on the published Jr. All-State audition materials.  Registration is from 9am to 11am and cost $2.00.  You provide your own transportation to and from the auditions and your own lunch. 

           Audition results are decided early/late afternoon and music will be available to those chosen students usually on the following day of school. 

           The festival is held on a Friday (9:00am – 3:30pm) and Saturday (12 Noon – 7pm performance) in April, traditionally at Easton High School.  The county provides bansmen’s transporation from MHS to Easton and back  on Friday and the return trip to Easton Saturday morning.  You must provide for your own transportation back home Saturday night, unless otherwise arranged.   

District Solo and Ensemble Festival 

          You are encouraged to participate in an annual adjudication festival, this year sponsored by Bennett High School.  Students choose a solo or ensemble from a published state list of graded works and prepare for a performance affront judges.  Soloists provide for their own accompanists.  Application materials are available from the band director. 

           Performances are usually slated in the 2nd week of February.  In choosing to do so, you also agree to provide for your own transportation to and from the festival.  Performers receive a rating from 5 (superior) to 1 (lowest).  Those receiving a 5 will be invited to perform in a similar festival sponsored at the state level.  See director for more details.   

Other Individual Performing Opportunities 

           Other performance opportunities arise through the year, including the Towson State Festival Band (for 11th and 12th graders around the 2nd Saturday of December), the UMES Honors Band (practicing 2 Saturdays in April and performing the following Sunday) and various other occasions sponsored by civic and college organizations.  Church is also a viable option.  The director will inform you as opportunities come up.