District I 6th Grade Honors Band
This festival is always held on the second Saturday in March at an area school. Sixth grade band students from Massabesic, South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Gorham, Sacopee Valley, Westbrook, and Bonny Eagle are eligible to participate.
My child wants to participate...what next?
Students are selected for the festival using a teacher nomination process. Band directors can nominate up to 15% of their band students (about 10 students for our band). However, based on appropriate instrumentation, the District I Nomination Committee will only select a certain number of students for each instrument. Given the number of school participating, probably only 5 or 6 CE students will actually be selected by the committee. So please keep in mind that not every student that is nominated will actually get selected for the festival.
If your child is selected to participate in the festival, they will be responsible for learning the festival music at home. Additionally, there will be weekly help sessions after school that students will be required to attend in order to get ready for the festival. If your child is interested in being nominated for the 6th grade honors festival, be on the lookout for information at the beginning of November.
My child wants to participate...what next?
Students are selected for the festival using a teacher nomination process. Band directors can nominate up to 15% of their band students (about 10 students for our band). However, based on appropriate instrumentation, the District I Nomination Committee will only select a certain number of students for each instrument. Given the number of school participating, probably only 5 or 6 CE students will actually be selected by the committee. So please keep in mind that not every student that is nominated will actually get selected for the festival.
If your child is selected to participate in the festival, they will be responsible for learning the festival music at home. Additionally, there will be weekly help sessions after school that students will be required to attend in order to get ready for the festival. If your child is interested in being nominated for the 6th grade honors festival, be on the lookout for information at the beginning of November.
District 1 7/8 Honors Festival
The District 1 7/8 Honors Festival is open to any 7th or 8th grade band or chorus student in participating district one schools. Students are selected for participation through an audition that takes place in late October. Students who are selected will be notified in early November and will receive their music in January. The festival is a one-time even (usually held the first weekend in March) that involves one rehearsal during the school day and a Saturday rehearsal and concert. This is a great opportunity for students to perform quality band literature with other middle school musicians and a guest conductor.
Interested students will receive audition music in mid-September and auditions will take place in late October. The audition music includes scales and a prepared piece. At the audition, students will also be asked to sight-read a short etude. Students are responsible for preparing their audition music at home. Students who are planning on audition will be expected to attend five Wednesday morning help session.
Interested students will receive audition music in mid-September and auditions will take place in late October. The audition music includes scales and a prepared piece. At the audition, students will also be asked to sight-read a short etude. Students are responsible for preparing their audition music at home. Students who are planning on audition will be expected to attend five Wednesday morning help session.
DISTRICT I HONORS JAZZ FESTIVAL
7th and 8th grade jazz band members have the opportunity to audition for this festival in January. Students who are selected will be required to attend morning rehearsals in March and April in order to prepare for the festival. The festival is a one-time event that involves one rehearsal during a Friday afternoon/evening and a Saturday rehearsal and concert in April.