SOUTHWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL
MUSIC AUDITION INFORMATION

The Music program includes instruction in skills and techniques involved in singing and playing instruments, practice in musical interpretation, and training in creative expression. Students receive small group instruction, participate in large ensemble classes, and perform with these groups throughout the year. Music students progress towards maximum personal achievement in the selected music discipline. 

The music audition will consist of three parts. 

1) performance of a prepared selection; 

2) brief interview;  

3) performance evaluation.

Audition process and audition requirements will consist of:
Demonstration of ability in theory, sight-reading, aural memory, and creative skills. Performance of a prepared selection. You must bring two (2) copies of the written music you will be performing to the audition.

Strings – Orchestra: Instrumentalists should prepare a solo selection from Suzuki, Wohlfahrt, Schroeder, Strum-Zimmerman, Kruetzer, Kayser, or comparable material.

Chorus – Vocal: Vocalists should prepare a solo from memory. Bring two written copies of the music for the audition judges. A simple hymn, patriotic song, folk song or ballad will be acceptable. Pop music or Broadway show tunes are not acceptable. Vocalist must bring an accompanist or pre-recorded accompaniment tape or CD (music only, no vocals on tape). A cappella singing is not acceptable.  Recommended song is Simple Gifts.  Accompaniment will be provided only for this song. 

Please Click This Link To Access Song:    Simple Gifts

Band: Instrumental – Wind & Percussion: Instrumentalist should prepare a solo grade I, II, III or higher, selected from the Florida Bandmaster Association state list or approved national list, available from most secondary instrument teachers. Parents/teachers can locate appropriate literature by calling local music stores such as Kendall Conservatory or Music, Mars Music, or by visiting the FSMA website: www.FLMUSICED.org, go to FBA music list where solos for each instrument are listed by grade.

Band: Instrumental – Other: Students performing on a recorder, mallet instrument or guitar should prepare a solo at their highest level of achievement. All instrumentalists are required to perform the F and G major scales in one octave.

Keyboard: Pianists should prepare a memorized solo equivalent to Book II, III or higher of standard piano method (e.g. Thompson, Aaron, Bastien). Piano solo must be performed hands together. Basic scales of F and G major must be performed in at least two octaves, hands together.

All applicants, except pianists, are requested to provide their own instrument and their own accompanist (or high quality cassette tape). All applicants must provide two copies of the selection to be performed.

Important Magnet Dates
October 2007 – January 2008 Magnet Applications Available
October 2007 – January 2008 Recruiting and tours of magnet program
January 31, 2008 Magnet Applications Due
February 2008 Magnet Auditions - If you do not receive an audition letter by February 15, please call the magnet office immediately.
March 2008 Notification of acceptance\non-acceptance
April 2008 Registration of accepted students