Memo to Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Students 8-10-2020

8/10/2020

Memo to Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Students

Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Auditions Procedures for F2020

As you are aware, woodwind, brass, and percussion auditions will take place from Saturday, August 15 through Monday, August 17. The following information should help you plan in a way that will allow you to have an excellent audition experience.

  • Depending on your specific instrument you may be auditioning in LL-65, Comstock, LL-10, or under one of the tents that will be installed adjacent to the School of Music Building. The specific locations for each instrument group will be announced by Friday, August 14.
  • A majority of you have already signed up for an audition time. However, if you have not signed up yet, please do so right away. Should you have questions about signing up, contact Mr. Brad Jopek at bradley.jopek@louisville.edu
  • Plan to be at your audition site five minutes prior to your scheduled performance time.
  • Observe physical distancing (e.g., the hallway outside of LL-65 is marked at 6 ft. intervals)
  • Wear your mask while in the hallway.
  • No warming up in the hallway.
  • One of our Band Graduate Assistants will be stationed at your audition site to give you any specific instructions or answer questions that you might have.
  • A clean copy of the audition music and the sight reading music will be placed on music stands, so you won’t have to bring your own music into the room with you. All you will have to do is come in and play from the music on the stands.
  • Auditions are scheduled at six minute intervals, but as you know from practicing your excerpts, it will probably only take three minutes for most of you to perform the excerpts. In addition to the excerpts, there will also be a short sight reading example. This will allow a cushion of time between each auditionee.

Preview of Concert Wind Band rehearsals and performances for F2020

All of us on the University Band staff are enthusiastic about your return. It is our goal to provide the opportunity for authentic, challenging, and rewarding ensemble experiences within the parameters of following the protocols for safe environments. We have followed the science from various studies about aerosol emissions and have sought counsel from our UofL professionals in Biosafety and HVAC engineering to come to decisions regarding ensemble set ups with appropriate physical distancing, ventilation, and duration.

Wind Ensemble

While the plan is to enroll the typical number of students in our Wind Ensemble (48-50), repertoire will never utilize the entire roster at any one time. While the capacity of LL65 at appropriate physical distancing (which is marked in tape on the floor) is 40, the largest personnel pool being considered at this time is 30 on one particular work. Other works under consideration will use player pools of 10, 14, and 18.

Rehearsal segments will be 30 minutes in duration for any given work, followed by downtime in the particular rehearsal room used. Additional rooms, such and LL5, LL10, and LL15 will also be available, so our 1:00 – 2:50 pm MWF rehearsal schedule will alternate from space to space. No musician will be assigned to all of the works, but the intention is that everybody on the roster will have a challenging and positive musical opportunity.

Symphonic Band

Approximately 60 students will be assigned to the roster. From the full roster, it is the intention to create two ensembles of balanced instrumentation of approximately thirty members each. Typically, each musician will have one ensemble rehearsal of 30 minutes on each rehearsal day. There may also be a follow up sectional rehearsal in another location during the regular block of rehearsal time.

University/Community Band

During F2020, the University/Community Band will be comprised entirely of students. The rehearsal block will be on Friday from 1:00 – 2:50 pm in Comstock Hall with no Monday evening rehearsal. As in the case of the Symphonic Band, it is the intention to create two ensembles of balanced instrumentation comprised of approximately thirty members each. Typically, each musician will have one ensemble rehearsal of 30 minutes each Friday. There may also be a follow up sectional rehearsal in another location during the regular block of rehearsal time. Performances

Currently, the School of Music is planning to present live concerts, however, the size of the audience will be restricted. Regardless of audience restrictions, many ensemble concerts will have a live stream option. More information about performances will be forthcoming as the semester begins.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions that you might have.

Dr. Speck – frederick.speck@louisville.edu

Dr. Acklin – a.acklin@louisville.edu

Dr. Cumberledge – jason.cumberledge@louisville.edu