All-West Auditions
Click Here for Middle School Audition Information
Click Here for 9/10 Audition Information
Click Here for 11/12 Audition Information
Click Here for All-West Audition Tips and Sight Reading Tips
All West Honor Band/Orchestra is a performance-based auditioned band/orchestra that represents all of West Tennessee in a concert. Students from across West Tennessee will be auditioning to compete for a certain number of spots. The top-place students will participate in a clinic from February 13th to 15th at the Renasant Convention Center and perform at the Cannon Center in Memphis, Tennessee. They will work up an entire concert during those days. It is a lot of work but also a lot of fun and a great experience to have on a resume.
The cost of auditioning for each group is $10.00; this fee will be taken up closer to the audition. Middle school students can only audition for middle school/junior high auditions, while high school students have multiple options between concert band, 11/12 orchestra, and jazz band.
The music is usually released in mid-to-late august. The music can be found through the link below, in addition, Mr. Mayo and Mr. Kelly print out copies for the students. Make sure you select the music for your instrument and grade level: https://wtsboa.website/all-west-convention/all-west-audition-music/
This music is challenging. Mr. Mayo and Mr. Kelly can answer questions, but we do not have the time to spoon-feed the music to students. Private lessons with an instructor on your instrument can assist you; these most often cost money but are an extremely valuable tool. If you are searching for a private instructor, please contact Mr. Mayo at jmayo@tipton-county.com or Mr. Kelly at akelly@tipton-county.com
The sight reading regulations that WTSBOA approved can be found by clicking here. If changes are made, Mr. Mayo and Mr. Kelly will let students know.
Mr. Mayo and Mr. Kelly will be hosting All-West Rehearsals closer to the auditions; the dates and times will be announced closer to the end of marching season, which is usually in October. These are rehearsals and are not time to learn the music or hang out with friends. The intent is to practice during the week and to perform what was practiced at the rehearsal to get some feedback, performance experience, and work to become a better musician through clinics on specific topics that will assist with auditioning. These rehearsals will involve a lot of listening to others and constructive conversation. For middle school students, these rehearsals will last until 4:30 PM. For high school students, these rehearsals will last until 5:00 PM.
If a student is not prepared, the student does not need to attend the rehearsals. Students will remain attentive/respectful of others at these sessions. These stipulations may seem strict, but it is to ensure that students are well prepared and get the most out of their time at rehearsal.
If a student is serious about wanting to audition, they need to practice every day in addition to the time that they should be practicing for their Brighton Band class.