NORMAL COMMUNITY
HIGH SCHOOL BANDS
Eighth Grade Audition Information
Information regarding the 2023-2024 NCHS Band Auditions is below!
NCHS Bands has a strong tradition of excellence. We are committed to providing an exemplary musical experience for all students involved. Students are given a wide range of opportunities to grow through musical experiences and learn important life skills. These include five concert band ensembles, two jazz bands, and the "Marching Ironmen" marching band that performs at football games as well as several other musical opportunities.
ALL Freshman band students will register for Concert Winds. No students are "cut" as a result of the auditions so students should focus on showcasing their skills. Once all the students have completed their auditions, they will then be placed into their proper band based on skill level.
For Woodwind and Brass players, the audition will consist of two parts: scales and music. Students should prepare as many major scales as they know in as many octaves as they know. They do NOT have to be memorized you may play from a scale sheet. In addition, students should prepare musical selections that best show of their abilities. This can be from a lesson book, band music, ILMEA audition material, Solo and Ensemble festival music, or other sources. Contact your current Band Director or Mr. Carter (carterp@unit5.org) with any questions.
For Percussionists, the audition will consist of two parts: snare drum (etude and rudiments) and mallets (musical selection and scales). All of the etudes are linked below under "Percussion Information." This does NOT have to be memorized and students may use music to read from. For Snare Drum, students should prepare one of two provided etudes in addition to as many rudiments from the Percussive Arts Society International Snare Drum Rudiments as they know. For Mallets students should perform a musical selection from something they are playing in Band, ILMEA music, Solo and Ensemble Music, or other musical excerpt in addition to as many major scales as they know. Again contact your Band Director or Mr. Carter (carterp@unit5.org) with any questions.
More information can be found at the links below:
NCHS Bands Program Information
Brass and Woodwind, along with general information for all 8th Graders
Feel free to contact Mr. Carter (carterp@unit5.org) with any questions regarding auditions or the program in general. We look forward to having you as a member of NCHS Bands!
