Calendar of Events
Many events on our calendar have had dates changed or been cancelled due to COVID-19. It’s important that families double check their calendars to ensure correct performance dates. A full updated calendar is available under Quick Links on the band’s homepage.
Updated Calendar
– Dec. 12 – SCIBA District Jazz Contest
– Dec. 15 – UHS Jazz Concert – PAC – NEW DATE
– Jan. 7 – Team J-Hawk Concert Band Performance
– Jan. 12 – Team U Concert Band Performance – NEW DATE
– Jan. 30 – Band Summit
Additional details regarding spectators at our jazz concert will be released in the coming weeks.
Recording Assignments
Students will have recording assignments due for their concert band literature on Nov. 13, Dec. 4, and Dec. 22. We highly recommend students put these dates into their calendars in order to stay on track.
Remote students studying with a staff member at UHS will be asked to record and submit pieces of their solos they are preparing in lessons. Remote students that study privately will be exempt from these assignments.
Band Placement Auditions
In preparation for second semester, we will be holding optional band placement auditions prior to Thanksgiving break. We will be placing students into three ensembles based upon their band placements last year.
If students would like the opportunity to move up a band, they need to submit a video recording by Nov. 24th. The audition material will include the following:
- Segment #1 – All 12 Major Scales
- Segment #2 – Chromatic Scale
- Segment #3 – Etudes
Recording instructions as well as other details for band placement auditions can be found HERE.
Solo and Ensemble – *NEW
Solo and Ensemble will only consist of our UHS performance on February 11th. The Perry Band Olympics will be virtual. We plan to videotape each student’s performance at UHS and submit recordings to Perry for adjudication.
This year we will be scheduling 3 rehearsals for students to rehearse with their accompanist prior to February 11th. These rehearsals will be scheduled on the three Sunday afternoons leading up to our event (Jan. 24, 31, and Feb. 7). All rehearsals will take place at UHS.
The Performing Arts Booster Club will be covering the cost of accompanists assigned by the Band Department. Their support makes Solo and Ensemble even more accessible to all students within our program. External accompanists will be permitted but not covered by the boosters.
If your student is interested in participating, please complete the following items:
- With the help of a teacher, pick out appropriate solo music by Nov. 24th
- Complete the online sign up form by 4:00 p.m. on Nov. 24th– Hard Deadline.
- Pay the participation fee by Dec. 4th, 3:30 p.m.
- Solo: $15.00 – Ensemble: $10.00 (per person)
- Order an original print of solo music (Rieman’s, JWPepper.com or other)(Photocopies are illegal.)
Band Summit Photos/Videos
The Band Summit has been cancelled but we would still like to create a video to share with our middle school students. Any pictures or videos you would like considered for the Annual Band Summit Video should be submitted to Mr. Doggett. These photos and videos should be of current band students participating in band activities from this year. Examples could include selfies or group photos taken before or after a band event.
All-State Results
Congratulations to everyone who auditioned for All-State. Your efforts help the entire program get stronger. Recognized students are listed below:
Accepted:
Michael Andrews – Bassoon – 3rd Year
Autumn Sheppard – Bari Sax – 1st Year
Alternates:
Nathan Boorman – Trombone – 1st Alternate
Addie Kerr – Clarinet – 1st Alternate
Here is the full press release.
SCIBA Honor Band
We are in the process of auditioning students for the South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association (SCIBA) Honor Band. This event has been cancelled but students will still have the opportunity to be recognized as a top musician within their grade level and our district. Video auditions will be due to Mr. Dupuis no later than December 1st. Additional audition information will be emailed directly to participating students.