Placement Audition Information and Requirements

Audition requirements for the Band program are as follows, and are based on the Howard County Instrumental Music Curriculum and the Maryland Music Educators Association State standards:

Scale Requirements

Major scales will be selected from keys that may contain up to 4 sharps and flats.

Woodwinds, Keyboard Percussion -Two octaves are required to be considered for Symphonic Wind Ensemble

Brass - One octave scales are adequate except for chromatic(see below).

All Instruments -Two octave chromatic scale of your choosing is required to be considered for Symphonic Wind Ensemble

Prepared Music  

Students interested in auditioning for the Symphonic Wind Ensemble will be given a music selection to prepare.  

If you wish to be in Concert Band, you may use selections from your current band music, solos, or private lesson material.

Sight Reading:  Be prepared to sight read a short excerpt of music.

Everyone who wants to play is accepted into the band program at Marriotts Ridge!

Students who are struggling with basic skills, such as correct posture, hand position, tone production, rhythm and note reading, may be placed in an Instrumental Ensemble class to reinforce these skills before placement in a performing group.  

Note for Percussionists

All percussionists are expected to demonstrate note reading and keyboard percussion skills.  In order to be considered for Symphonic Wind Ensemble, you must demonstrate high level proficiency on snare drum, timpani, and keyboard percussion.

Important things to consider

Balance of instruments is crucial for the groups to achieve the proper band sound.  We are experiencing a major shortage of brass players throughout Howard County.  Because of this shortage, students who play popular instruments like Flute, Saxophone, Clarinet and Percussion will have much more competition for spots in the top level performing groups.   Everyone who has the desire to play, and is willing to honor their responsibilities and rehearsal commitments will be accepted into the band program, BUT if you play a popular instrument, you may want to consider switching.  If you are willing to work at it and practice, it is never to late to consider a switch.  Instruments that are needed include French Horn, Baritone, Tuba, Oboe, and Bassoon.  During your audition, please let me know if you would consider switching instruments.  If you learn to play one of these needed instruments, you will have much more opportunity to advance as you progress through the Band program at Marriotts Ridge.  Although not required, private instruction is highly recommended on all instruments, especially students wishing to play in Symhonic Wind Ensemble.