San Clemente Instrumental Music & Pageantry Program

CLASS PLACEMENT

There are no auditions for the orchestra or the band classes at San Clemente HS.  Only the Jazz Band holds auditions (at this time), and those take place in December.

PLACEMENT IN CLASSES

Class placement is determined by adding a student's proficiency scores and musicianship scores.  These two scores each count for 50% of the student's score, determining their ranking on the music program.

Proficiencies are musical exercises, including scales, thirds, arpeggios, double octave scales, minor scales, and blues scales.  Students can potentially pass off 108 of these proficiencies on SmartMusic.  The directors verify and check each one submitted, but they do not check off students in classes; the computer assigns the credit.

Musicianship numbers are determined by the scores on the chromatic scale*, rhythm*, basic technique, bow and/or air use, sight reading*, prepared piece*, tone, and intonation.  The items with a * next to them are also graded by SmartMusic.

PLACEMENT

After scores are added together, each student is assigned a ranking on their instrument.  The top students are put in the Wind Ensemble and the Chamber Orchestra classes.  Chair seating takes place after school starts.

Some sections are more competitive than others, and as a result, students may check off a tremendous number of proficiencies, but still may not be put into the Chamber Orchestra or the Wind Ensemble because other students have checked off more proficiencies.

MINIMUM SCORES

A minimum score on proficiencies is required for placement in the Chamber Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.  Instrumentation and balance of the ensemble dictates the size every year.  For instance, a Wind Ensemble with only one tuba will have two flutes.  Two tubas, however, would allow four flutes to be in Wind Ensemble, so it is beneficial for students to encourage and support one another to make the ensembles a rewarding experience.

CONTACTS:

Director of Instrumental Music & Pageantry Program: Pete Jackson