Program Standards
2006-2007
Contents
Program Overview
Entry Standards - Explorers
Entry Standards - Apprentices
Entry Standards - Journeymen
The Guild also supplements the teaching of students fortunate enough to receive private lessons. The Guild provides a dimension of ensemble playing that does not exist in the course of private lessons.
The Guild strongly supports school music programs and seeks to complement the teaching that occurs daily in the school setting. By recommending students for Guild participation, school music teachers are able to keep their most eager students challenged and developing at their maximum pace. This benefits the student as well as the school music program.
The core of the Guild instruction is the Apprentice program, where a balanced ensemble of students meets weekly, performing music that continuously pushes beyond their skills. This is a mentor-rich environment where the intense challenges are met with equally intense support and encouragement. As students advance in technical ability and musical maturity, they become recognized as Journeymen. Journeymen take a lead role in mentoring younger students. At the same time, Journeymen are presented opportunities to perform with adult ensembles that continue to stretch their musical maturity. Ultimately, the Guild seeks to prepare students for a lifetime of music enjoyment and participation.
The Guild recognizes that a generation of funding cuts has left many school programs weakened. To meet this reality, we operate the Explorer program, in which a small group of students is given intense instruction over a short period to prepare them to join the Apprentice ensemble. Students are considered for the Explorer program once they have learned the basics of sound production and can read simple music. The students (and their families) are expected to make the practice commitment that will allow the student to join the Apprentices within 10 weeks. Age/ExperienceThere are no age limits. Explorers are typically age 9-13 and will have played their instrument at least 6 months when entering the program. We limit enrollment to eight students at a time. As students graduate to the Apprentice level, new students join the Explorer class.
Instruments
Explorers may play flute, oboe, Bb clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, tuba or percussion (drums and bells).
Audition requirements
The student must be able to perform the C major scale in their instrument’s key:
The student will be asked to read a simple rhythm line that includes whole, half, and quarter notes in 4/4 meter.
Relevant knowledgeThe student must be able to assemble the instrument, aligning joints properly, inserting reeds correctly.
Age / Experience
Apprentices are typically age 10-16. Apprentices will have played their instrument at least one year.
Apprentices may play flute, oboe, bassoon, Bb clarinet, bass clarinet, alto/tenor/baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, French horn, tuba or percussion (drums and bells and other mallet instruments).
Audition requirements
The student will be asked to play (from written music) several major scales in various keys from 2 flats to 2 sharps.
The student will be asked to play a 3-part chorale piece, in ensemble with other students, such as the following example. The music will be set in an appropriate range for each instrument. The student will be expected to play all three parts.
The student should have an understanding of melody versus harmony. The student should be familiar with the most common articulations and dynamics, and be able to observe them.
Age / Experience
Journeymen are typically high school age. They will be accomplished on their instrument, confident in their ability to perform most school band music, up to level 4 on the 7-point scale.
Instruments
Journeymen may play any band instrument. Journeymen often study multiple instruments and are able to mentor younger students on several instruments.
Entry to the Journeyman program is at the recommendation of mentors, who will be very familiar with the student’s abilities. There may not be a formal audition. However, the student will have distinguished himself or herself by demonstrating skills in sectional rehearsals or in solo opportunities.
The student is expected to play major and minor scales in all keys using written music. The student is expected to accurately sight-read music of intermediate difficulty. Considering that Journeymen perform in adult ensembles, the Journeyman must understand musical roadmaps and follow music without losing one’s place.
Relevant knowledgeMentors look for a level of musical maturity from Journeyman candidates. Students should be able to apply appropriate music style for the most common idioms such as rock, swing, Latin, marches, rags and waltzes.
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