Auditions

Why do we hold auditions?

The process of evaluating students for skill-level and appropriate band placement involves an audition. Auditions are held in August to help the directors place students in either our Intermediate Band (typically 1+ yrs. of experience), Concert Band (typically 3+ yrs. of experience), or Symphonic Band (most advanced level) for the start of the KCYB season. These auditions also help the directors place students on the appropriate music parts within their assigned band.

Do beginners need to audition?

New Beginner Band students will not audition, but will automatically be placed into the Beginner Band. 

What instrument(s) can I play this year in a KCYB band?

All standard band instruments such as flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone/euphonium, tuba, and percussion are needed in each of our concert bands.

How is band placement determined?

Placement in Intermediate Band, Concert Band, or Symphonic Band will be determined based on audition scores, experience level, and maturity. Band placements remain in effect through the entire season.

When are upcoming auditions and what will the audition be like?

To prepare students for future audition opportunities, we follow the same procedures used by the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association Junior Clinic and Senior Clinic auditions. Auditions will be evaluated by our KCYB band directors.

Auditions must be completed on the assigned night. Students are taken in the order they arrive and sign up. For the 2024-2025 season, auditions will begin at 5:30pm on Tuesday, August 13, at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church. If you are unable to attend the auditions on August 13, please contact a director as soon as possible to schedule your audition prior to the first fall rehearsal.

Late Enrollees

Students are expected to participate for the entire season August–April. Occasionally, however, we do have a student who asks to join mid-season. Upon director approval, the student may be allowed to join at the start of the Spring semester in January. Students who enroll in KCYB after the initial auditions in August will need to complete an audition with one or more of the directors to determine band placement. Late enrollees will need to contact a director for audition materials. Students must participate for the entire year to be eligible for ETSBOA events, TSSBDA events and All-State.

Audition Music

Students should prepare the following pieces, based on instrument and desired band level, for the August auditions. Audition music includes prepared pieces and scales. Students auditioning for Symphonic Band may also be asked to sight read.

Intermediate Band & Concert Band Audition Pieces (all instruments) 

Symphonic Band Audition Pieces (all instruments)