Ems Percussion Ensemble Auditions

EMS PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS:

Dear Parents and Students:

Band students in grades 7-8 are invited to audition for our East Middle School Percussion Ensemble! Students who play any instrument are eligible to audition, as the group is not limited to percussion students only. This year, our percussion ensemble program will be entitled “The Music of the Islands” and students will be instructed in the art of playing not only traditional percussion instruments, but marimba, xylophone, keyboard percussion as well as steel drums, the instruments often associated with the music of the Caribbean, most notably Trinadad and Tobago. Our program will begin with the popular “Hot, Hot, Hot”, and then the island favorite “Yellow Bird” and we will close with a very catchy and fun version of the Beatles “Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da”. I am sure that it will be a fun and informative learning experience for everyone involved!

The group will consist of approximately 15 members. While some of the rehearsals may take place during the school day, there will be several after school rehearsals as well. A schedule of these rehearsals will be given to the members following the audition process. Please consider your after school commitments carefully before deciding to audition, we will only be able to choose students for this group who are able to attend rehearsals, as the group cannot learn music when members are missing. There will be no cost for this group and students will not need to purchase any additional items. The audition process will consist of performance of scales on mallet instruments, proper technique of battery percussion, and rhythm performance. These skills will be taught and students will have an opportunity for hands-on practice during a pre-tryout practice session, to be held on Monday, Feb. 10 until 4:30, and the audition on Wednesday, Feb. 12 until 4:30. Please complete the bottom portion and return to school as soon as possible!

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you! Mrs. Knott

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Student’s Name: ______Grade: ______

My student has permission to stay afterschool on Monday, Feb. 10 and Wednesday, Feb. 12 for percussion ensemble instruction and auditions. We realize that there will be during and afterschool practices. We realize that our student will be responsible to attend these rehearsals and will be responsible to learn their music as a part of the group.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______Date: ______

Parent Contact number: ______, ______

Parent email: ______