- State College Area High School
- Concert Bands (Gr. 9-12)
- Symphonic Band
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State College Area
High School
Symphonic Band
photo credit: Margaret Higginsphoto credit: Ann Marie Mountz
Last Update: 1/5/2023
Course Description
Prerequisite: Audition with the Band Director
The Symphonic Band provides a challenge for students who show exceptionally high levels of performance on their musical instrument. In rehearsals, students work on the skills of blend, balance, tone quality, intonation, and proper interpretation, while preparing for three concert appearances. Students are also eligible to participate in their grade-level band. In addition, students are eligible to participate in PMEA music festivals at the district, regional, state, and all-eastern levels, and travel to festivals and competitions as the opportunities occur. Students enrolled in this band have the opportunity to participate in the High School Marching Band, The High School Jazz Band, and the High School Symphony Orchestra.2012 NYC Adjudication Performance
Concert ScheduleWednesday, November 30, 2022 - All BandsWednesday, May 3, 2023 - Symphonic BandCommencement Concert is Friday, June 2, 2023 with a rain date of Saturday, June 3rd.Concerts are held at the Performance Hall starting at 7:30 PM
Tickets are $3 and are available at the door on the night of the concert
All State Band History 1978-2016
Richard Victor Legacy Award Winners 2012-Present
Congratulations to our 2010 Band Award recipientsEric Kernfeld - The John Philip Sousa Band Award
Eric Posatko - The Franklin B Hege Memorial Award Scholarship
Michael Marini - The Lemont Young American Band Scholarship
Natalie Roberts - The National Band Association Outstanding Band Musician Award
Emily Browne - Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence
Michael Marini - Shiri Berg First Flute Memorial Award
Yosef Berlyand - Mario Marcanti Memorial Award
Sam Heppelmann - Louis Armstrong Jazz Award
Audition Information
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Audition Requirements
Option 1: Live Audition
Schedule a time using the link below
Option 2: Combo video and live audition
VIDEO DUE DATE : Monday, Jan. 16
Video record separate video files for each part listed below.
Auditions are held annually during the course registration period. Students moving into the district after the auditions should contact Mr. Leskowicz to arrange for an audition.
Note on video recording: please adjust the camera so the entire instrument is visible, from top to bottom of the display screen.
PART 1
Video record yourself performing the following MAJOR SCALES from memory. C-sharp, E, A-flat
Scales may be played at any tempo or rhythm for as many octaves as you are able to.PART 2
Video record yourself performing a solo, etude, or excerpt
This prepared piece of your choice should be two to three minutes in length and demonstrate your highest level of competency.You can also choose two shorter excerpts from either the same piece or two different pieces, where one demonstrates your technical playing (faster rhythms and tempo, varied articulations, etc) and the other your lyrical playing that demonstrates tone quality, phrasing, breath control, and musicianship.Percussionists choose two(2): one for Mallets and one for Snare Drum.PART 3
Schedule a time to demonstrate sight-reading
You will be asked to sight-read a brief excerpt of typical Symphonic Band music. Percussionists will perform on snare drum.
Schedule a time using the link below
AUDITION RUBRIC & FORM (for reference)