Band Audition Requirements

Band Audition Modality:

Band auditions will be held on February 13, 2026 at Garrison School for the Arts.

Overview

The band audition consists of three parts. The candidate will play each indicated part (see information in this section for specific details). Carefully read each part of these requirements, as the completion of each part will affect your score.

Garrison School for the Arts’ Band audition process follows the general procedure of the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State and District Honor Band audition process, adjudication by three judges and specific audition performance materials.

Students are expected to prepare and perform audition selections and demonstrate knowledge of music terms and music listening skills. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase and use Excellence in Theory: Book One to help improve music theory, music terms and ear training.  The program Make Music is also helpful for the audition process (makemusic.com).

Rising 6th: Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician Line 65- Japanese Folk Song or line 103- Russian Folk Song. Then they are to perform as written Concert B flat (Line 192 on page 45 Major) and Concert F Major(Line 196 on page 46). (2 Scales)

6th graders can play the attached GMEA scale Concert Bb and Concert F (Instead of Line 192 and Line 196)  for bonus points. 

Rising 7th and 8th graders will be auditioned using the 4 attached GMEA scales and Habits of a Successful Middle School Musician page 57 number 46

All grade levels will prepare one solo of their choice and must have music for the 3 judges.  This solo must be written for their instrument. This does not include a piece of concert Band Sheet Music.

The audition process:

• Students must have their instrument and all necessary equipment needed for the performance, including the 6th -Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician or 7th-8th grade Habits of a successful Middle School Musician.
• Students will perform the required material from one of the method books for the audition.
• Students will bring sheet music for their solo and copies for the three judges
• Students, who are percussionists, must audition on both snare and xylophone.