1.2 The school band year: concerts, contests, and auditions

There is a rhythm in most school band years established by a steady flow of concerts, competitions, and auditions. Some of these will be optional opportunities for your child; many will be required.

Concerts

Even beginners' bands often have an end-of-year concert, a chance to show off the skills they have learned. As students progress through the years, concerts occur more often and are more likely to happen out in the community, rather than always happening at school. If there's a band mailing, phone, or email list, make sure you are on it, so that you know what's going on! If you feel uninformed, ask your child what's coming up and when and how you are going to get the official notice about it. Depending on the group, notice may be a note from the director delivered via your student, a posting in a newsletter or on a website, or a letter in the mail. When you get it, take notice of the date, performance dress code, and other particulars such as when and where students should arrive.

It is very important that your student participate in all performances, showing up on time dressed appropriately and with all the necessary equipment and music. Even more than a sports team (bands don't have subs), a musical ensemble relies on everyone fulfilling their part in order to run smoothly, so it's very unfair to the other performers when a student cannot be relied on for performances. If your child cannot make it to a concert or contest (whether due to severe illness or to other major commitments), the director should be notified as early as possible, so that parts can be reassigned if necessary. A child who misses performances, without an excuse that the director finds adequate, may get a lower grade if the band is a class, and may be demoted or expelled from the group.

Contests

Group contests

Since contests are "high-stakes" performances, it is even more important that all students are present and properly prepared for contest performances.

Beginners do not go to contest. As young musicians develop and mature, they will have more opportunities to compete both in groups and as individuals. Group contest performances will be arranged by the director, and some may include travel.

Many of the contests available to school band students are organized by the local or state directors' associations. Others may be private "festivals" organized by a high school, university, or professional music program. Contests vary greatly in size and prestige. Some may be open to any local school band; others may be highly selective, choosing from large numbers of audition tapes a few groups that will be welcome at the contest.