Symphonic Band
Symphonic Band is an auditioned group that meets 7th hour all year long. Symphonic Band has concerts throughout the school year and performs in at least one music festival during April. The Symphonic Band curriculum is based on standard and contemporary band literature. Music fundamentals: rhythm, tone production, intonation, scales, and critical listening skills are emphasized daily.
Audition
All members of the Marching Lions will go through an audition process the week after the last competition. The audition consists of:
1 – Full Range Chromatic Scale (Slur up, Tongue Down – Quarter Note = 120)
2 – 2 Major scales
3 – An excerpt from the current KMEA State Audition Music.
Percussion – Will perform an excerpt from the KMEA State Audition Music on Timpani, Mallets, and Snare.
Audition Music
Auditions will be scored. The audition score determines group and chair placement.
Grading Policy
Grades are based on daily participation, performance participation, and playing tests.
Make-up Points
Daily Participation and playing tests need to be made up before the end of the nine weeks. Concert participation is a very important part of the class and excused absences need to be made up 2 weeks after the performance. Communicate with the director for a specific make up assignment. Be prepared to play your music for the teacher, write a paper, or make-up the time for the concert.
Concert Dress
Concert Dress is concert black. For the gentleman a long sleeve black button down shirt, black pants, black belt, black shoes, and black socks. For ladies it can be long pants, long skirt or dress. Long sleeve black blouse or long sleeve black shirt, and black closed toe shoes.
Pep Band
There are 2 pep bands made from Wind Ensemble, Symphonic, and Concert Band members. Students are required to participate in 5 games during the basketball season. There are 10 games total. Students who attend more than the required pep band games will earn extra lettering points. Post-season basketball games are worth extra lettering points and will be made up of a volunteer band.
District Band/Orchestra/Jazz - District Band Website
Students are encouraged to audition for a KMEA Northeast District honor group. Auditions are held the 2nd weekend in November in Baldwin. Students selected for this ensemble perform the first weekend in December . Members who make Northeast District Honor Band or Jazz Band are eligible to audition for KMEA State Band, Orchestra, or Jazz Band.
There is an audition fee.
State Band/Orchestra/Jazz - State Band Website
Students selected for District can audition at Salina Central HS the first or second weekend in January. Making State Band, Orchestra, Choir, or Jazz Band is one of the highest honors a high school musician can achieve in the State of Kansas. The honor groups rehearse and perform in Wichita at the State Music Educators Conference in late February.
Solo and Small Ensemble Festival
Students who are taking private lessons are encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble festival. Students are also encouraged to form small chamber groups and perform for the solo and ensemble festival. There is a fee for each entry. The fees are due before Mr. Jones registers the groups in March.
Solo and Ensemble Clinic
Students are given an opportunity to play their solo or small ensemble for comments only from a judge. Students are encouraged to have their selections well prepared by this mid-March date. Accompanists for solos must be used for this clinic session. This is a preparation for Regional contest. Have an original for the judge with each measure clearly numbered.
Regional Solo and Small Ensemble Festival
Students who participate in this event will get a rating from a judge. Students receiving a I will get a medal and the chance to play at State. Location is Shawnee Heights High School.
State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival
Students who participate in this event will get a rating from a judge. Students earning a I rating will receive a State medal. Location is Emporia State University.
Solo Guidelines
Students taking a solo to contest should be taking private lessons. Private teachers should assign an appropriate level of literature to perform. It is up to the students to secure and pay for an accompanist. The student soloist schedules rehearsals with the accompanist. The soloist is responsible to provide an extra original piece of music for the judge. Number all of the measures and any cuts in the music. Mark clearly your name and Lawrence High School. Solos should be no longer than 6 min.
Small Ensemble Guidelines
Students are highly encouraged to form small ensembles to perform at contest. Members of the band staff are available to coach the ensemble. Private teachers in the community can also coach the ensembles. An original score for the judge that has the measures numbered must be provided.