Band Festival

One of the most significant events of the year is the band’s performance at District Band Festival.  This performance consists of three prepared pieces: a concert march, a required piece (from a statewide list) and a selected piece.

As the group performs, a panel of three judges makes comments, positive and constructive, on a sheet or on a cassette recording.  They judge the band in five major categories: Intonation, Tone, Rhythm, Technique, and Interpretation.  They also take into consideration the stage deportment, or discipline of the group.

After the performance of concert selections, the band heads to another room for sight-reading.  Given seven minutes, the band sings through and then performs two new pieces for the first time to display their musical abilities.  The sight-reading judge then speaks to them about what they did well and how they can improve.

The judges at festival assign letter grades to the band, and base their decision in the light of their overall musical performance of the pieces.  These grades average to a RATING per judge, with a roman numeral “I”=excellent, “II”=good, “III”=fair, and “IV” and “V” being not at the standard.

When selecting pieces for the group to perform, we count on each member to carry his/her share of responsibility.  Practicing after school and at home is expected.  The attendance at these events is also extremely important, because any difference from what has been rehearsed requires changing the balance of the entire group.  In addition, judges can only grade based on what they do hear.  As a result, attendance is mandatory.  A student’s third nine weeks grade is based almost entirely on their preparation for (in the “Musical Improvement” category) and performance of (in the “Participation” and “Attendance” categories) these events.

The festival experience is always educational.  It gives the students a chance to perform challenging music and receive feedback and suggestions on what is going well and what can be even better.  All parents are heartily encouraged to attend and support your student in this event!