To:  Parent(s) of GCBDA Middle School Band Clinic Tryout Students

From:  Bill Crowell, Band Director

RE:  Important reminders, tryout date (Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012), and map (Ocean Springs H.S.)

The following are some important reminders about GCBDA Clinic tryout procedures:

1.  Make sure students are dressed appropriately for the tryout.  (Example-Church cloths,

conservative dress)

2.  Make sure students get plenty of rest before the tryout date and eat a good breakfast the day of the tryout to calm the nerves.

3.  Make sure students bring their prepared piece, and have their name-tag displayed on the left side of their shirt/blouse/dress.     

     (Note: students will not be admitted to the clinic tryouts without wearing their name-tag.)

4.  Remind students of the importance of representing their school appropriately by displaying good conduct and civility before, 

     during, and after the clinic tryout.

5.  Make sure students arrive a minimum of 45 minutes before their scheduled tryout.  Students need the time to warm up (Gym), 

     locate their tryout room, and get used to their surroundings.

6.  Students will be asked whether they would like to warm up in the judge’s room.  It is acceptable to do this provided the student warms up on their best scales.  Wind students will be asked to play 5 major scales (Concert C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab) by memory (2 octaves where possible) within 1 1/2 minutes.  Students will be asked to play their Chromatic Scale by memory from the lowest note they can play, to the highest, and back down.  Students will be asked to play the Prepared Piece.  Students will be asked to play a short Sight-reading piece after being allowed to look it over for a few seconds.  Percussion students will be asked to play three rudiments by memory from the eight (Long Roll, 5 Stroke Roll, Single Paradiddle, Flam, Flam Accent) originally requested.  Students will be asked to play the Prepared Piece written for Snare Drum and an Accessory Instrument piece.  Students will be asked to play a short Sight-reading piece after being allowed to look it over for a few seconds.

7.  Encourage and support students throughout the tryout process.  Good luck.