HONOR BANDS
Students who wish to challenge themselves musically may audition for honor bands at the county, regional, and state levels. Honor bands are ensembles comprised of the top students on each instrument. The students have minimal rehearsal time before performing, usually just a few days. Auditions are typically submitted either by CD, or as a digital file online. All audition music is available through Mr. White, and will be part of our warm-up routine in the weeks leading up to the audition deadlines. Honor bands are excellent opportunities to grow musically and to represent the musical talent we have at El Portal Middle School.
You may view the individual websites for each of these organizations using the links in the drop-down menu.
Qualifications for Registration: A student must be a 7th or 8th grader enrolled in either Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble to audition for All-County, Region 4 and All-State. In VERY RARE cases, auditions will be opened to a highly gifted 6th Grade Concert Band Student enrolled in lessons at the Director’s request. If a student auditions for any of these honor bands, they must do so with the knowledge that if chosen, they are required to attend all associated rehearsals and concerts. Failure to follow through with their commitment will affect their membership in the El Portal performing ensembles.
San Joaquin County Music Educators’ Association (SJCMEA): This honor band is made up of qualified students from all over San Joaquin County. Rehearsals are held in late February and early March at Lincoln High School in Stockton. The Middle School Honors Concert is held in the Atherton Auditorium at Delta College.
Northern California Band Association (NCBA): This honor band is comprised of the best musicians from all over Northern California. Rehearsals are held in mid January at Delta College in Stockton. The All-Northern Honors Concert is held in the Atherton Auditorium.
California Band Directors’ Association (CBDA): This honor band consists of the best middle school musicians in the state of California. All rehearsals and performances are held as part of the California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC) in Fresno in mid February.
Students who wish to challenge themselves musically may audition for honor bands at the county, regional, and state levels. Honor bands are ensembles comprised of the top students on each instrument. The students have minimal rehearsal time before performing, usually just a few days. Auditions are typically submitted either by CD, or as a digital file online. All audition music is available through Mr. White, and will be part of our warm-up routine in the weeks leading up to the audition deadlines. Honor bands are excellent opportunities to grow musically and to represent the musical talent we have at El Portal Middle School.
You may view the individual websites for each of these organizations using the links in the drop-down menu.
Qualifications for Registration: A student must be a 7th or 8th grader enrolled in either Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble to audition for All-County, Region 4 and All-State. In VERY RARE cases, auditions will be opened to a highly gifted 6th Grade Concert Band Student enrolled in lessons at the Director’s request. If a student auditions for any of these honor bands, they must do so with the knowledge that if chosen, they are required to attend all associated rehearsals and concerts. Failure to follow through with their commitment will affect their membership in the El Portal performing ensembles.
San Joaquin County Music Educators’ Association (SJCMEA): This honor band is made up of qualified students from all over San Joaquin County. Rehearsals are held in late February and early March at Lincoln High School in Stockton. The Middle School Honors Concert is held in the Atherton Auditorium at Delta College.
Northern California Band Association (NCBA): This honor band is comprised of the best musicians from all over Northern California. Rehearsals are held in mid January at Delta College in Stockton. The All-Northern Honors Concert is held in the Atherton Auditorium.
California Band Directors’ Association (CBDA): This honor band consists of the best middle school musicians in the state of California. All rehearsals and performances are held as part of the California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC) in Fresno in mid February.