GMEA District V Jazz Honor Band
Information and Guidelines
Submission DUE DATE: Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Purpose: To provide an opportunity at the District Level that promotes jazz education and provides incentive for students to excel or introduce their individual learning in jazz studies and performance. In addition, we hope our efforts will draw continuous awareness of this unique American Art Form.
Guidelines:
1. Student Recommendations & Selection:
ALL Submissions must be in by Tuesday, April 16th to this page (HERE). Contact Brandon Soloff (soloffb@fultonschools.org) with questions.
MS Directors are encouraged to recommend ATLEAST 4 individuals: One Saxophone, One Trumpet, One Trombone, One Rhythm Section or non-traditional instrument (ones not listed here including vocalist).
HS Directors: The available chairs for Applicants are: Trombone, Trumpet, Vibraphone, Bass, and Non-traditional instruments. Please review the audition video requirements (Here)
Directors may recommend up to 6 students.
Please Consider the Following (not limited to) when recommending:
o Sight Reading Ability.
o Instrumentation needs. Don’t forget Trombones, Piano, Str. Bass, Bari Sax, etc.
o Drum Set & Auxiliary Percussion students must understand appropriate styles (swing, rock, bossa nova, etc). They must also understand appropriate phrasing elements, fills, lead ins, etc.
o Piano, Guitar and String Bass players should possess good reading skills and have a clear understanding of chord nomenclature and voicings when comping parts.
A Correct and Completed Recommendation/Application Form for each student recommended is mandatory.
o Make sure the “Honors” at the bottom are complete for each student submitted. Please write LEGIBLY.
o Make sure contact information is COMPLETE and Accurate.
o Student MUST be an active member of the school’s band program and/or private instructor with GMEA membership (i.e.: home school).
o Be advised: Depending on the number of applications received, every student applying may not be selected. (applying does not guarantee acceptance). Also note, a band with a more complete instrumentation will help provide a better experience for the students. Directors should submit accordingly.
2. Instrumentation:
Traditional Big Band (Swing Band) instrumentation will form the nucleus of the group: 2 Alto, 2 Tenor and 1 Baritone Sax, 4 Trumpet, 4 Trombone, and Rhythm Section: (Piano, String/Electric Bass - Keyboard may substitute only if String Bass not available, Guitar, Drum Set, Auxiliary Percussion-as needed by clinician). *Doubling of parts will be considered where needed to provide a successful musical experience.
Non Traditional Instruments & Singers will be considered on an individual basis. These may include but are not limited to: Flute, Clarinet, Vibes, Horn, Baritone, Tuba, others not listed in Traditional Big Band Instrumentation above.
Part Assignments will be based on Director’s recommendations
o Student’s Honors from Application
o Student’s demonstrated reading ability.
o Solos will be assigned based on rehearsal assistant’s (organizers) and/or the clinician’s recommendations.
o Tone, Articulation, Playable Range and other musical performance characteristics will be considered.
3. Event Participation:
Dates: Friday, May 3, 2019 and Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Chattahoochee High School (5230 Taylor Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30022)
o Friday – 9:00AM til 7:30PM
o Saturday – 9:30AM til 6:00PM
A more detailed schedule will be sent to accepted students/directors.
Participant Fee: $30.00 per accepted student. Due AFTER confirmation of acceptance is sent. All checks should be written to GMEA District V with the students name(s) in the Memo.
Just as with any other District Concert Honor Band events, students selected are required to participate fully in all rehearsals and performance. Since the group is small and dependent on individuals to be successful, this group must take precedent over other events/conflicts.
Music will be sent out PRIOR to the event: Students MUST come to first rehearsal with music prepared – Please, NO SIGHT READING.
We will follow the rehearsal times and performance schedule as established by the district organizers and host school.
All Guitar and String Bass players must provide instrument & Amp. Label all equipment clearly with student’s name and school.
Pencils, all music and music folders are required during rehearsals.
Uniforms: Students will wear their school’s “Jazz” performance outfit.
4. Send Submissions to:
MS/HS Jazz Honor Band Application
Contact Brandon Soloff with questions/concerns!
Taylor Road Middle School, 5150 Taylor Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30022
EMAIL: soloffb@fultonschools.org