Fall 2020: KSU Concert Ensemble Audition Letter Dear KSU Fall 2020 Concert Ensemble Auditioner, First of all, we hope you are all remaining safe during these unprecedented times. No one anticipated the COVID-19 pandemic nor the effects it has and will be taking on everyone moving forward. Thank you for your patience and flexibility; please know that the K-State Band staff is working vigilantly to ensure everyone’s safety as we prepare for the upcoming fall semester! COVID-19 has forced all large instrumental ensembles to move online. We will err on the side of safety and do what we all can to minimize the negative effect this pandemic has on our program and your education. It is in times like these that we will certainly identify the real leadership we all want and need. As your directors, we are doing our absolute best for you. The following Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Concert Band, and Brass Ensemble scenarios are possible this fall (but will be ready to pivot at moment’s notice): • All ensembles will meet virtually in a variety of forms. • Weekly Zoom meetings will be scheduled to discuss the score, individual parts, listen to recordings, have experts speak about individual instrument issues with that specific piece, and having the composer join as well. • Each ensemble will be selected based upon auditions and assigned the appropriate literature (large ensemble and chamber) for performance. • The fall semester scheduled will be set accordingly and included in the syllabus. Our Concert Ensemble Auditions will occur online via video submission and submitted by 5:00pm CST on Friday, August 7 th , 2020. The following brass and woodwind excerpts are to be prepared at the designated style and tempo for your ensemble audition. These excerpts are taken from: Vincent Persichetti – Divertimento for Band Ingolf Dahl – Sinfonietta for Concert Band Kimberly Archer – Common Threads Percussion auditions will also occur online via video submission by Sunday, August 16 th , 2020 by 12:00pm CST. For more information and for percussion specific audition excerpts, please email Dr. Kurt Gartner ([email protected]). This letter (with excerpts included) can be downloaded at http://www.k-state.edu/band/ensembles/windensemble.html. Video upload instructions for Woodwind and Brass Auditions are below: Video Upload Instructions: • Prior to submitting your video audition, please complete the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/to5JBZCtKGh8pdNAA • All videos must be shot in landscape mode, with the best quality camera possible. o Make sure you are clearly in the frame (ie. head/face, instrument, and performance posture visible). o To ensure the best sound quality, place your device at the appropriate distance. o Please do a test recording to ensure the above bullets are accomplished. • At the beginning of your video, please clearly state your first and last name. • Before you perform each excerpt, please clearly state the name of the excerpt (including measure numbers) and the tempo you will performing (with the metronome running in the background, eighth note subdivision for “Archer excerpts”). o It would also be helpful (but not required) that you insert text titles to coincide with the excerpts you are performing. • Please title your videos using the below format: o firstname_lastname_instrument_audition § ie. frank_tracz_oboe_f2020audition • All video files (directly from your phone, laptop, or desktop) will be uploaded to the appropriate OneDrive Folder below: https://ksuemailprod-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/amwimmer_ksu_edu/EuAHlSBXz79JgwvFPuJVFNkBrPkawTWw8JT69-810Kw0gg?e=6aF1KP • Do not delete these videos from your device (in the event an error occurs). Audition results will be posted at 3:30pm on Monday, August 17 th and can be viewed at http://www.k-state.edu/band/ensembles/windensemble.html. Please take the necessary time and effort to perform these excerpts with correct style and tempo but with your best sound, tone quality, articulation, and accuracy. Please also utilize quality, online recordings of these pieces as you prepare them! We are looking for ensemble members who value and appreciate the process of developing and establishing a diligent practice routine. Those who have scholarship stipulations related to ensemble placement, make sure you understand the expectations of your scholarship contracts. We will progress in this manner with the hopes and expectation that things will improve, and we will be able to meet face-to-face and perform a concert. We are working on a system to issue instruments to those who need them, as well as issuing folders electronically. Please let us know what questions you have regarding the Fall 2020 Concert Ensemble Auditions. Happy practicing and see you soon! Sincerely, Dr. Frank Tracz Dr. Alex Wimmer Director of Bands Assistant Director of Bands Kansas State University Kansas State University [email protected] [email protected]