PLACEMENT INFORMATION
Placement in all NCHS curricular bands is done by audition and is based on musical proficiency. All
students must re-audition for Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band each year (not Concert
Band). In certain instances, at the recommendation of the Band Director, a student may be moved to a
higher band at the end of the first semester.
Orientation for marching band and auditions for drum majors take place in late spring of the
preceding school year. Auditions for Jazz Studio Orchestra only will occur in May of the preceding
school year; the other jazz bands' auditions will take place in the fall of the current school year.
Audition dates will be posted in the band room and on the website main calendar.
PLEASE NOTE: All band students are required to come to two pep band games as part of their third
quarter grade.
Throughout the year, the directors will assess the students' ability to perform scales, etudes,
band music, 26 snare drum rudiments (percussion), intonation, etc. The directors will explain the
minimum proficiency before the assessment (for example, "you must play the IMEA with six mistakes
or less"). At the directors' discretion, this assessment may be live, cassette recorded at home,
or videotaped at school.
AUDITION INFORMATION
Auditions for the following year's curricular bands take place in the early spring of the
preceding school year. "A" Audition information and music is provided to all incoming freshmen
at the South Side Band Festival in February, is available from their junior high band directors and
from the NCHS band directors. "B" Audition material is available approximately one month after
the "A" Audition Material is passed out. "B" Auditions are held after the "A" Auditions,
during regular band classes at the junior and senior high schools.
• "A" Audition (Spring)
All students wishing to try out for Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony must take the "A" Audition,
although taking the "A" Audition does not guarantee a student placement in either band. Wind
Ensemble, under the direction of D.J. Alstadt, consists of sophomores, juniors and seniors, and is
the most demanding of all the curricular ensembles. Wind Symphony consists of freshmen through
seniors and is under the direction of Scott Silder. By auditioning for Wind Ensemble and Wind
Symphony, you are affirming a higher level of commitment. This includes such required events as
Solo and Ensemble and weekend competitions.
The "A" Audition consists of the advanced etudes selected by the Illinois Music Educators
Association (IMEA) auditions. The IMEA scales will also be included. Sight-reading may or may not be
included. The "A" Audition packet consists of the music for your particular instrument, NCHS
band curriculum information, and the "A" Audition Intent Form.
• "B" Audition (Spring)
If a student decides not to take the "A" Audition (or is not accepted into Wind Ensemble or Wind
Symphony after taking the "A" Audition), the student must take the "B" Audition to be placed
in Symphonic Band, under the direction of D.J. Alstadt. If a student does not participate in the
audition process at all, he/she will automatically be placed in Concert Band, under the direction of
Scott Silder.
The "B" Audition consists of music playable by all musicians entering the program but
challenging enough to identify the students' basic musicianship. The "B" Audition packet
consists of audition music for your particular instrument and NCHS band curriculum information.
Music for the "B" Audition will be distributed approximately one month after the "A"
Audition music. The "B" Audition is live with Mr. Alstadt during regular band classes. Mr.
Alstadt will audition eighth graders at their junior high schools during their band classes.
• Drumshow Placement (Winter)
The NCHS Drumshow cast is selected each year at or about the time of winter break. The cast is
selected by the process of individual auditions. In order to participate in Drumshow, you must be a
current NCHS band member.
• Marching Band Orientation (Spring)
Orientation for the Marching Redhawks consists of two days, where all students will be given an
overview of the program and will learn marching technique and style characteristic of the Marching
Redhawks. We will also learn the music, concept and activities of the fall field show. At the end of
orientation, the band directors will offer contracts to students exhibiting the enthusiasm and
positive attitude necessary to become a Marching Redhawk.
Any student wishing to become a member of the Marching Redhawks should fill out and return the
Marching Band Orientation Intent Form by the date indicated on the form. Exact dates for the
orientation will be posted in the band room, on the website, and given to the junior high band
directors for incoming freshmen.
Bring your instrument, notebook, pencil and a great attitude! Wear comfortable clothes (no blue
jeans) and athletic shoes, as we will be involved in physical activities.
• Drum Major Auditions
Auditions for prospective drum majors are held prior to marching band orientation. Anyone Interested
in auditioning to become a drum major should attend the Drum Major Clinic. The date for this clinic
is available from the Band Office and is also posted on the main calendar on the website. Drum major
auditions consist of three sessions. All students wishing to audition for drum major must attend all
three sessions to be considered.
• Drumline (Battery) and Front Ensemble (Pit) Auditions
Auditions for the Marching Redhawks drumline (battery) and front ensemble (pit) are held in the
early spring of the preceding school year. Percussion placement in the marching band is by audition.
All dates for drumline auditions are posted in the band room, on the website, and given to the
junior high band directors.
• Jazz Auditions (JSO in Spring; All Others in Fall)
Auditions for Jazz Studio Orchestra will occur in the spring for the following year. Some summer
sectionals and rehearsals will be called. We will rehearse on Mondays throughout the early Fall,
when possible. JSO will begin their regular rehearsal schedule after marching band season is over.
Auditions for Jazz Band and Jazz Lab will take place in the Fall. The audition material will be
distributed in early Fall. Students wishing to participate should plan on auditions in mid-September.
All Jazz Band and Jazz Lab sectionals and combos will start in November, after marching band season
has ended. It is our intent to never cause conflicts with curricular and extra-curricular ensembles,
forcing a student to choose. The audition material is F Blues, Bb Rhythm Changes (optional/via Jamey
Abersold), and the Senior IMEA Audition material. Exact dates for all auditions will be posted in
the band room and on the website.
