Director's
Notes 
Woodbridge
Viking Invitational
 |
Woodbridge Senior High School
Mighty Viking Band
Director's Notes
April 29, 2008
To: 8th Grade Band Students and Parents
From: Mark Carder, Director of Bands
Re: WSHS Mighty Viking Bands
Dear Friends,
WELCOME TO THE MIGHTY VIKING BAND!
Auditions are not required to join the band program at Woodbridge Senior
High School. All incoming Freshmen are automatically placed into the Varsity
Band (9th Grade Band) unless they audition for placement into one of the
two higher bands. Freshman enrolled in the Center for Performing Arts program
are already placed in a band based on their audition for the program and
do not need to audition again. Any student wishing to audition for advanced
placement into one of the higher bands may do so by appointment only. Contact
me and we will schedule a time after school hours for the audition.
Mark Carder, Director of Bands
carderma@pwcs.edu
703-730-8015 Phone
Audition Requirements:
Woodwinds and Brass: All students will be asked to perform as many scales as they can play in as many octaves as possible, the chromatic scale, and a prepared piece. Each student will then be asked to sight-read a small piece of music to asses their reading ability.
Percussionist: Will be asked to perform at least three rudiments including the Long Roll, and prepared piece on the snare drum and as many scales as possible on the mallets.
Woodbridge Bands:
Symphonic Band - The top performing group involving advanced instrumental students. This class is for the most advanced and interested students. Extra rehearsal, individual practice, and numerous performances are required. Many students at this level take private instruction to supplement their classroom development. Membership is by audition only and balanced instrumentation is a factor in membership selection. All Symphonic Band members should participate in Marching Band unless they are involved in a fall sports activity sponsored by Woodbridge High School, or are physically unable to do so.
Concert Band – An advanced performing ensemble involving some extra practices and performances. Emphasis is on training the individual students for advanced performance techniques. Members are given the same opportunities as Symphonic Band members including the opportunity to audition for district bands and honor ensembles. Marching Band participation is not required but it is encouraged.
9th Grade (Varsity) Band - A performing group involving some extra practices and performances. Emphasis is on strengthening fundamental skills and preparing students for advanced ensembles. Members are given the same opportunities as Symphonic Band members including the opportunity to audition for District bands and County honor ensembles. Marching Band participation is not required but it is encouraged.
Jazz Band - A small ensemble designed to learn and perform jazz and popular music. Many public performances should be expected. Emphasis is on jazz style and improvisation. Membership is restricted to certain instruments needed for this type of music and selected by auditions. Students Receive 1/2 credit.
Marching Band - A 1/2 credit performing group active primarily in the fall of the year. All practices are outside the school day. The Mighty Viking Marching Band participates in many contests, festivals, and parades in the fall in addition to supporting many school functions. Most awards are based on membership in this group. All extra practices are required for membership in the group. Membership is dependent upon being enrolled in one of the concert band classes.
If you have any questions please feel free to email me at carderma@pwcs.edu or call the band office at 703-497-8015.
Important Dates:
Freshmen and new member workshops for Marching Band: June 3 and 5 from 6-8:00pm in the Woodbridge Band Room.
Mandatory Band Camp: August 11-15 (Percussionist and Guard), August 18-22 (All-Members),
Parents: To confirm your
child’s participation in the Marching Vikings,
you must attend at least one of the freshmen workshops on June 3 and 5 and
return the Marching Band Intent form. To confirm your child’s participation
in the WSHS Band Program, please email me your name, instrument, address,
phone number and email address so we can add you to our contact lists. Thank
you for considering the Woodbridge Senior High School Band program and becoming
a part of the great tradition here at Woodbridge.
Sincerely,
Mark Carder
WSHS Director of Bands
3001 Old Bridge Road
Woodbridge, Va. 22192
703-497-8015 Office
carderma@pwcs.edu
