All-County and All-State

In Maryland, all instrumental music students have many opportunities to audition for all-county and all-state groups. Each year, many Walt Whitman students in band, jazz ensemble, and orchestra have enjoyed great success in performing in these honors groups. We strongly encourage our students to challenge themselves and audition for the various Honors, All-County and All-State Ensembles!

Please Note the following sign-up deadlines and audition dates:

  • Oct. 14th MCPS Honors Jazz Auditions (4-9PM at Frost MS)
  • Nov. 12th MCPS Jr Honors Band/Orchestra (gr 9) auditions (6-10pm) Margruder (tentative)
  • Nov. 16th All-State Junior Band/Orchestra (gr 10-12) auditions (9AM-5PM) TBA
  • Nov. 19th MCPS Senior Band/Orchestra (gr 10-12) auditions (6-10pm) Wootton (tentative)
  • Nov. 23rd All-State Senior Band/Orchestra (gr 10-12) auditions (9AM-5PM) TBA

Why audition? The groups bring together the finest young musicians who want to challenge themselves, work with some of the top youth conductors, and socialize with peers from other schools.  Auditions for Honors and All-County are held in the fall.  These groups rehearse one night during the school weed for five to seven weeks and culminates with a final performance in the winter.  Auditions for the All-State ensembles are overseen by the Maryland Music Educators Association.  Following fall auctions these groups gather for a two-night hotel stay over one weekend in February for rehearsals and a final gala performance.

We encourage all music students to consider auditioning for one or more ensembles.

The audition process for county and state ensembles is not complicated. Here are a few tips: At the beginning of each school year, Ms. Alvey provides complete details about audition dates and requirements. Materials for state and county are the same so it is a one-time preparation. Those materials are also available on the Maryland Music Educators Association website, linked here.

 

Audition Tips

  • Prepare! Don’t procrastinate. These auditions are very competitive and cramming your preparation at the very end will reduce your chances of success dramatically.
  • Set up a practice calendar and pace yourself. Periodically record your efforts and critique your progress.
  • Practice in front of a mirror and in front of friends and family.
  • Seek help! Your private teacher is your best resource! If you are looking for help in finding a teacher, please talk to Ms. Alvey or Ms. Borsum as soon as possible.
  • Dress professionally. Remember that you have only one chance to make a first impression. However, some of the auditions are behind screens. It makes sense to find out ahead of time so you know what to expect.
  • Remember to act professionally, with an air of confidence, not arrogance.
  • Take your time and think before you play.                      GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

Awards

Congratulations to the following ensembles and individual musicians for all of the hard work and dedication it took to create such extraordinary results!

2011-2012 School Year

Montgomery County Junior Honors Orchestra

Sophia Caldera, Claire Gasque

Montgomery County Junior Honors Jazz Band

Raymond Kheirbeck

Montgomery County Senior Honors Band

Ben Miltenberg, Isaac Segal, Jeremy Steinberg, William Zhang

Montgomery County Senior Honors Orchestra

Beatriz Atsavapranee, Jason Frankel, Sam Shapiro

Montgomery County Senior Honors Band

Matt Digan, Michael Dressner, Alex Gandolfo, Jordan Wolff

All State Senior Band

Gabe Slesinger, David Weber

All State Senior Orchestra

San Hoi Forrest, Samir Kaveeshwar, Seth Massey

All State Senior Jazz Band

Matt Digan, Alex Gandolfo

Other Honors:

National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts Finalist — Gabe Slesinger

The President’s Own Marine Band Concerto Competition Finalist — Gabe Slesinger

Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival High School Band Competition — Walt Whitman Jazz Ensemble — Second Place Winners

Mid Atlantic Jazz Festival High School Jazz Band Competiton Soloist Award — Alex Gandolfo

Further information about what is required to audition for these honors ensembles may be found at the Maryland Music Educators Association website.

http://www.mmea-maryland.org/Student-Events.php