Wind Ensemble Round Top Concert

Location: Round Top Performance Institute

Address: 248 Jaster Rd, Round Top, TX 78954

On Sunday, May 4th the Wind Ensemble will have a concert at the Round Top Performance Festival Institute. All Wind Ensemble members will be performing their Concert Program.

This performance is free and open to the public. We would love for you to come out and support our awesome Wind Ensemble students.

Performances count as a Double Major Grade. Do not miss the the Round Top Concert for any reason!!!

Dress: Concert Uniforms(Tuxedos and Concert Dresses)

Sunday, May 4th

2:30 pm - Report to KHS
3:00 pm - Load
3:30 pm - Depart
5:30 pm - Arrive at Round Top
6:00 pm - Warm-UP
7:00 pm - Performance
8:00 pm - Depart
8:30 pm - Dinner at Fast Food($$$)
10:30 pm - Arrive at KHS
10:45 pm - Dismiss

Leadership Positions 25-26

Final placement and leadership decisions is made at the sole discretion of the Head Band Director. While musical ability, marching proficiency, leadership qualities, and audition results are significant factors other considerations may influence placement. These may include instrumentation needs, team dynamics, reliability, and the overall goal of placing each student in a role that can set up the band as a whole for success. Being in a leadership position is a privilege not a right.

Drum Major Auditions

Drum Major Auditions will be held next Monday, April 29th 3pm-5pm. Any returning member to the marching band is welcome to audition. Candidates will be judges by a panel of KHS Directors and former drum majors. The audition will consist of 4 sections: Conducting technique(40 pts), Showmanship/Confidence(20 pts), Audibility of Commands(20 pts) and Interview Questions(20 pts). We will announce new drum majors the day after auditions.

• Conduct 4/4 at 120bpm

• Conduct 3/4 at 90bpm

• Conduct cut-time(2/4) at 160bpm

• Give commands(Kempner Marching Cougars, What do we strive for)

• Interview Questions

Leadership applications

Leadership applications are due Monday, May 5th. Interested students need to fill out the application. There will be an interview conducted by the new drum majors and KHS Band Directors on Monday, May 5th 3pm-5pm. Criteria for leadership selection is listed below. Announcements of new leadership will be made at the band banquet.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFt-qretvq02eO4RRONh0vtJbaW6cJuumR1Qhi76GyNHwJOQ/viewform?usp=sharing

• Strong Playing Ability

• Mastery of Kempner Marching technique

• Excellent Attendance

• Effective Communicator

• Timely completion of band related tasks

• Positive attitude

• Academic Performance

Audition for Placement 2025-2026

ALL returning kempner band students and incoming 8th graders are required to submit an audition. Failure to do so will result in placement in the concert band.

12 Major Scales

Fight Song

AUDITIONS ARE DUE MAY 12th!!!

AUDITIONS WILL BE SUBMITTED THROUGH Google Docs. You must have a google account to submit.

Purpose of the Assessment

• We will use the results of the assessment to help determine the placement in performing bands for next year

• Students will be placed in Wind Ensemble(1st Period), Symphonic(2nd Period), or Concert Band(3rd Period)

Other Factors Determining Placement

• Commitment

• Work Ethic/Attitude

• Grades

• Private Lessons

• Director Recommendations

• Available Spots

Audition Scales

Students will perform 12 Major scales in the format from the 12 Major Scales sheet. Students will have a time limit of 2 Minutes. Students should perform as many scales in as many octaves as they can within the time limit. Scales must be performed with no finger mistakes to receive credit.

Priorities of Scales Audition

• Beautiful sound and approach to instrument

• Correct Notes

• Correct Rhythm with an even steady tempo

• Articulation: Tongue up and Slur Down

• Tempo(Only play as fast as you can cleanly)

Fight Song Audition

Students will play the Kempner Fight Song taking the 2nd ending(No repeat). Students must perform the Fight Song at 120BPM to receive full credit. Students will receive up to 100 pts for the Fight Song audition. The Fight Song should be performed in a “March Style”. Staccato 8th notes, lifted quarters, and firm articulation should be used throughout.

Oboe play Alto Sax part

Bassoon/Baritone play Trombone part

Horn play Mellophone part

Questions:

Email: paul.brodt@fortbendisd.com