The Elementary Honor Band is an audition-based ensemble open to all 4th and 5th-grade students seeking an extra performance opportunity beyond their regular schedule. While all 4th and 5th-grade students receive the Honor Band sheet music, participation in auditions is optional. Students who audition and are accepted will attend rehearsals (dates listed below) and perform at the annual Spring concert.
To join the Elementary Honor Band, students must perform the designated concert songs (with a backing track) as their audition. Once they pass the audition, they will be invited to join the ensemble. Audition recordings will not be accepted for another 2–3 months, giving students ample time to prepare their music at their own pace before the deadline. When recording, students must use the YouTube video (below) as a backing track, either playing in the background or through headphones.
*5th-grade Mallet percussionists who are accepted will be given a special opportunity to transition to additional percussive instruments (i.e. drums, cymbals, auxiliary) based on the quality of their audition and the timelines of their submissions. 4th-grade Mallet percussionists will be asked to remain on Bells.
Auditions can be completed in one of two ways:
*Acceptance into the group is contingent on learning the repertoire ahead of time and attending ALL preparatory rehearsals. While we would like to invite all students who audition into Honor Band, unfortunately, not all students will be accepted based on their scores. If your child is not accepted and is interested in resubmitting their audition videos an opportunity will be granted to that child as long as their submission is in advance of our first preparatory rehearsal.
To join the Elementary Honor Band, students must perform the designated concert songs (with a backing track) as their audition. Once they pass the audition, they will be invited to join the ensemble. Audition recordings will not be accepted for another 2–3 months, giving students ample time to prepare their music at their own pace before the deadline. When recording, students must use the YouTube video (below) as a backing track, either playing in the background or through headphones.
*5th-grade Mallet percussionists who are accepted will be given a special opportunity to transition to additional percussive instruments (i.e. drums, cymbals, auxiliary) based on the quality of their audition and the timelines of their submissions. 4th-grade Mallet percussionists will be asked to remain on Bells.
Auditions can be completed in one of two ways:
- (More preferred) Send a video/s of your child performing each song (in its entirety) to [email protected]
- (Less preferred) During band, students can be pulled out on each song (in its entirety).
*Acceptance into the group is contingent on learning the repertoire ahead of time and attending ALL preparatory rehearsals. While we would like to invite all students who audition into Honor Band, unfortunately, not all students will be accepted based on their scores. If your child is not accepted and is interested in resubmitting their audition videos an opportunity will be granted to that child as long as their submission is in advance of our first preparatory rehearsal.
Honor Band Rehearsal Dates & Times
All 4th and 5th-grade students will receive the Honor Band sheet music, even if they choose to not audition. Music will be distributed by the end of January.
Submission of audition videos will be accepted starting on (April 1, 2025). Auditions will close (May 1, 2025). Audition materials will not be accepted thereafter, unless the student has asked to resubmit their audition.
Audition Due Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Rehearsal #1: Thursday, May 22, 2025, 5:00-6:00 PM (The Ellen Garrison Building @ Concord Middle School, Band Room)
Rehearsal #2: Monday, June 2, 2025, 5:00-6:00 PM (The Ellen Garrison Building @ Concord Middle School, Band Room)
Submission of audition videos will be accepted starting on (April 1, 2025). Auditions will close (May 1, 2025). Audition materials will not be accepted thereafter, unless the student has asked to resubmit their audition.
Audition Due Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Rehearsal #1: Thursday, May 22, 2025, 5:00-6:00 PM (The Ellen Garrison Building @ Concord Middle School, Band Room)
Rehearsal #2: Monday, June 2, 2025, 5:00-6:00 PM (The Ellen Garrison Building @ Concord Middle School, Band Room)
Honor Band Resources
Want to slow down the recording so you can play along with it? Students can practice along with the embedded YouTube recordings below. In the lower right-hand corner, there is a settings icon that will allow the playback speed (tempo) to be reduced. Students are encourage to slow down the playback speed to .75 and increase it back to "normal" as they feel more comfortable. Students MUST have the YouTube video playing in the background or through their headphones while they record themselves.
Song #1: Great Beginnings- Michael Kamuf
Song #2: Soar with the Dragons- Rob Romeyn
Click to listen.
