There are more practicing musicians in the world than you even thought. It’s so fun when you find an opportunity to join some of them and make music together. But, before you do you might want to read today about what a flutist needs to know before joining a local community band.
New musician friends are great, and a new posse of flute-buddies are even better. I have so many life-long pals from the endless hours of hanging around each other in between rehearsals and performances. We learned together, and we laughed together. I can’t think of a better situation to make this hobby stand the test of time.
This is always a must and extra impressive.
When joining a community band, there are a few things to know before you just show up. First of all, you’ll need to obviously call ahead and find out if auditions are required or not. If they are, here’s a quick list of what you probably need to have prepped:
- 12 Major scales and arpeggios
- Etude or Technical Study of some sort
- Solo
- List of your accomplishments
- Be ready to sight-read (!)
Those 12 major scales are the backbone to being able to play everything else. Community bands tend to soar into a higher level than a Junior High Band would, so make sure you’re prepared to play in all keys.
Preparing an etude or technical study will show the person(s) listening to your audition that you are an active, studying musician. This is always a must and extra impressive if it wasn’t even on the required list (but it probably is).
Having a beautiful solo that highlights your strengths is super-duper important. Be sure to choose something that shows off everything you love about playing the flute. Stay away from trying to perform something above your solo level.. It won’t do you any favors.
You’ll probably be asked to sight-read some band music right then and there at your audition. Yup. It’ll be something you’ve never seen before, and guaranteed- it’ll have a lot of high, high notes in it that are smashed together as eighths or sixteenths. Be prepared! Sight-read daily at home with a quick metronome. Super important!
The last piece of advice I have for you in this little article is to be sure and gain control of your nerves, over-practice, and do what it takes to play with good tone. They’ll want you for sure and you can feel confident that you are going to be a happy new addition to the band for years to come.
I’d love to continue this conversation again. There’s so much more to say! Do you play in a community band? What was your experience with joining? Did you audition? Leave a comment or question here. See you in a lesson soon!
I have played my flute from fifth grade to ninth grade, I enjoyed it a-lot. I did not like the marching part when I started high school, so I quit. Over the years i regretted my decision, and I had dreams of joining an adult band out there, and i did not think there was any out there unless you were a professional player. when i was fifty, i fouund Corvallis New Horizon Band, they allowed people fifty or older to play no audition. I was in that group 2016′-2020′. I found Campus Band, no needed audition, I played there 2019′-2020′. Covid hit 2020′-2022′, no bands to join. I did highly needed home practice for two years. Rejoined the Corvallis Campus band for a few mor months. spring of 2022′ i went back to Corvallis New Horizon Band; too small, no drummers and only one other flute player. Spring of 2022′ I joined (no audition), New Horizon Willamette Valley Orchestra. A dream comes true. A good-sized orchestra, with both winds and strings. (For years I thought orchestras were just strings. The first day I joined, they said same as band with strings). I love it. My next step is to join the Willamette community band, but still be in the orchestra. Now i am finding out that there is a bunch of adult music assembles to join: college, New Horizons and community. Thank-you, Jennifer Dee
Hi Jennifer,
What wonderful experiences you have had joining community bands. Thank for your sharing your story. It is wonderful to play with others and be a part of a band without the audition as well. I wish you the best of luck as you work towards the Willamette Community band. You can do it! -Rebecca