Los Angeles Unified School District All City Honor Marching Band

F.A.Q.s

“Frequently Asked Questions”

In an effort to answer your questions at your convenience, we've created this Frequently Asked Questions section.  If you do not see your question addressed here, please send a message to info@laallcityband.com.

Q: Who can participate with the group?

A: Students MUST have a 2.5+ GPA, be a current member of their school’s music/auxiliary department, and be in good standing at school and in their music department.”  In other words, you must be a participant in your school's band and in good standing with your school.

Q: What is needed to participate in the program?

A: Students must complete a two (2) page application available via their teachers, online, or at rehearsals.

All applications must be completely filled out and MUST HAVE ALL NESSESARY SIGNATURES: Student, Parent (Guardian), Teacher and School Administrator.

Incomplete applications WILL NOT be accepted.

Applications MUST be submitted before the last rehearsal of the this first half of the season (1st Saturday in November). Students who fail to do so will be automatically dismissed from the group.

All students MUST complete an online registration via the All City Band Website

All students must comply with the All City Band Attendance Policy (see below) and all LAUSD District-Wide Rules and Code of Conduct.

Q: Do I have to attend a LAUSD School to participate?

A: Yes.

Q: Do I have to audition for the group?

A: Yes, all members must audition.

Percussion, Auxiliary, and Drum Majors are auditioned in a formal format. This audition occurs on the second to last Saturday of September, every year. Announcements for auditions are made via school correspondence, the All City Band website, and our media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter.

Brass players are recommended by their home school teachers and undergo a proficiency evaluation throughout the first half of the season. Students not meeting basic playing proficiencies are dismissed from the group at the end of the first half of the season.

Q: Why do I need to register online for All City?

A: The online registration is a new component for admission to the All City Honor Marching Band. It will expedite the collection of student’s personal information for attendance and identification purposes, in a more efficient and accurate manner. Information collected WILL NOT be shared with any other party outside of the LAUSD.

Q: I auditioned or will be auditioning as a percussion, drum major, or auxiliary member but don’t know if I earned a position yet. Should I still register?

A: Yes. If you are NOT offered a position in the group, your information will be deleted from our records.

Q: When and where are auditions held?

A: September 22nd, 2012

El Sereno Middle School 2839 N Eastern Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90032

8:30AM - 9:00AM - Audition Orientation

9:00AM - 3:00PM - Student Auditions

Q: What does the audition for percussion players consist of?

A: Sight reading while marching, demonstration of basic rudiments, and a solo, which can be a school cadence, warm-up, or a personally selected piece. You will also be required to bring your own sticks and/or mallets. Drums will be provided. A clinic will be held before the auditions in an effort to better prepare students for the audition. You can audition on up to two (2) different instruments.

Q: What does the audition for Flags consist of?

A: Students will be taught a routine first and then will be asked to perform the routine in small groups. Judging will be based on poise, carriage, dance technique and ability to learn the routine. Other areas include ability to perform in time with music, and ability to work well with others. Students must bring their own flag. It is highly recommended that students audition in their school uniform, but it is not required.  Current membership in the school’s flag team is required for those auditioning for flags.

Q: What does the audition for Shields consist of?

A: Students will be taught a routine first and then will be asked to perform the routine in small groups. Judging will be based on poise, carriage, dance technique and ability to learn the routine. Other areas include ability to perform in time with music, and ability to work well with others. Students do not need to bring a shield. It is highly recommended that students audition in their school uniform, but it is not required.  Current membership in the school’s drill team is required for those auditioning for shields.

Q: What does the audition for Drum Major consist of?

A: Students will perform the basic “L” pattern routine. Judging will be based on poise, carriage, marching style, precision of signals, voice commands, whistle commands, as well as baton techniques and signals. Students must be the current head Drum Major for the school, perform in full uniform, and bring their own equipment. There are no exceptions to these requirements.

Q: What if I can’t make a rehearsal due to a school function or performance?

A: All rehearsal are mandatory unless there is a school event and/or performance.

All students must attend at least 2 rehearsal in the first half of the season (1st Saturday in October to the 1st Saturday in November) regardless of number of excused absences.

School performances and functions (competitions, SAT, etc.) are excusable absences with prior notice from the student and/or the teacher.

Students not attending due to family events or illness must have parents/guardian contact All City Staff via phone or email for absence to be excused.

Students who DO NOT attend ANY of the rehearsals in the first half of the season will automatically be dismissed from the group.

All rehearsals after the LAUSD Band and Drill Team Championships (second weekend in December) are MANDATORY. Students not attending rehearsals, without prior approval, are subject to dismissal.

Q: How do I get to rehearsals?

A: Transportation will start the 1st Saturday of October, our official 1st rehearsal of each season. A bus schedule will provided with your application packet indicating the time and pick up location for your school. Please keep in mind that if another pick up location is more convenient than you school's location, feel free to use it.

Q: Is transportation provided for Auditions?

A: No.  Transportation to the audition will be the responsibility of the student, parent and/or teacher.  Transportation will be provided starting with the first full group rehearsal.

Q: Can family attend a rehearsal/performance?

A: Yes

Q: Can they ride a district bus with me?

A: No. Due to district policy, only students enrolled in the district and with the band may ride the bus. Family and friends are welcome to attend rehearsals and performance via private vehicles.  Directions to the different venues will be provided.