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Honors Music – Band, Chorus, Orchestra

Honors music programs give elementary and middle school students the opportunity to grow and challenge themselves musically. These are auditioned groups; auditions are held in the fall of each school year, with rehearsals and performances beginning in January.

  • Rehearsals for the following three groups continue!
    • Elementary Honors Chorus (grade 5) – 1/16/2024, 6:45 – 8:00 PM
    • Jr. Honors Orchestra (grades 4, 5, and 6) – 1/16/2024, 7:00 – 8:15 PM
    • Jr. Honors Band (grades 4, 5, and 6) – 1/16/2024, 7:15 – 8:30 PM
      • Rehearsal times are staggered to assist with traffic control at Kenmore
  • Please see the yellow “accordion” section below for schedule information for each group.
  • Congratulations to the Honors Band and Orchestra (grades 7 & 8) and the Middle School Honors Chorus (grades 6, 7, and 8) on their performance on January 27, 2024.
  • Auditions are complete for the 2023-24 School Year! The audition materials below are for reference only. Please see the blue “accordion” sections below for audition music and registration materials for each Honors Music Group.

Notes from the Directors about their Performing Groups

  • Elementary Honors Chorus (Grade 5)
  • Junior Honors Orchestra (Grades 4 – 6)
    • Concert Day rehearsal will be from 6:00 – 6:45 PM
    • Concert Dress is long black skirts or pants and a white shirt with a collar, and no logo, black shoes and socks
    • Please join the Junior Honors Orchestra Canvas Course. If you need help, please contact the director, Kristin Gomez, or the manager, Michelle Shine
  • Junior Honors Band (Grades 4 – 6)
    • Invitations were sent to join the Junior Honors Band Canvas Course

Registration and Audition General Information

Students must be enrolled in Arlington Public Schools in order to audition and/or participate in Arlington Public School programs. No private or home-schooled students are allowed to participate.

Early online registration for the county-wide musical groups is highly encouraged, to allow organizers of the event ample time to prepare. Registering online will allow for shorter wait times at the auditions. If you are unable to register online, please ask your school music teacher to help your student register.

In addition to the online registration, you may download other supporting files including sheet music, practice audio tracks, and a virtual audition video. All music is for audition purposes, only. Please contact your student’s music teacher if you have difficulty accessing any of the audition materials.

Students are required to audition for the appropriate grade level the audition requires. A student may audition for more than one music group. If selected for more than one group, the student may have to choose one or the other.

All auditions will be “blind” auditions. The students will audition behind a screen, and the judges will only be able to hear the students. The judges will not know anything about the student, except for their assigned audition number. They will not know the name of the student, or their school.

2023-24 Schedules for Auditions, Rehearsals and Concerts

  • Auditions are open to Arlington Public School Students only. No private or home-schooled students are allowed to participate.
  • Please see the blue “accordion” sections below for audition music and registration materials for each Honors Music Group

Group

Audition, Rehearsal and Concert Dates:

Junior Honors Band (grades 4 – 6)
  • Auditions are on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 – 4:30-7:00 PM, at Kenmore Middle School
  • Rehearsals are from 7:15–8:30 PM, Tuesdays, Jan. 16-March 12, 2024 at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup rehearsal dates are  Monday, February 5, 2024 and Monday, February 26, 2024, if needed
  • Dress Rehearsal is on Monday, March 11, 2024
  • Performance, Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 7:00 PM at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 7:00 PM, location TBD
Junior Honors Orchestra (grades 4 – 6)
  • Auditions are on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 – 5:00-7:30 PM, at Kenmore Middle School. In addition, there will be extra violin-only slots between 4:00-5:00 PM
  • Rehearsals are from 7:00–8:15 PM, Tuesdays, Jan. 16-March 12, 2024 at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup rehearsal dates are  Monday, February 5, 2024 and Monday, February 26, 2024, if needed
  • Dress Rehearsal is on Monday, March 11, 2024
  • Performance, Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 7:00 PM at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 7:00 PM, location TBD
Honors Band (grades 7 and 8)
  • Auditions are on Thursday, November 9, 2023 – 4:30-7:00 PM, at Kenmore Middle School
  • All rehearsals and concerts are at Kenmore Middle School
  • Rehearsal, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, 6:00-8:30 PM
  • Rehearsal, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, 6:00-8:30 PM
  • Rehearsal, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, 6:00-9:00 PM
  • Dress Rehearsals, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
  • In the event of a snow day, dress rehearsals on Saturday, January 27, may be lengthened
  • Concert – Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, 4:00 PM – Kenmore MS
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Monday, January 29, 2024, at 7:00 PM, Kenmore MS
Honors Orchestra (grades 7 and 8)
  • Auditions are on Wednesday, November 8, 2024 – 5:00-7:30 PM, at Kenmore Middle School. In addition, there will be extra violin-only slots between 4:00-5:00 PM
  • All rehearsals and concerts are at Kenmore Middle School
  • Rehearsal, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, 5:45-8:15 PM
  • Rehearsal, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, 5:45-8:15 PM
  • Rehearsal, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, 5:45-8:45 PM
  • Dress Rehearsals, Saturday, Jan. 27, 12:30 PM-2:00 PM, Kenmore Middle School
  • In the event of a snow day, dress rehearsals on Saturday, January 27, may be lengthened
  • Concert – Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, 4:00 PM – Kenmore MS
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Monday, January 29, 2024, at 7:00 PM, Kenmore MS
Elementary Honors Chorus (grade 5)
  • Auditions are on Monday, October 30, 2023 , 4:00-8:00 PM, and Thursday, November 2, 2023, 4:30-8:30 PM, at Kenmore Middle School.
  • Rehearsals are from 6:45–8:00 PM, Tuesdays, January 16-March 12, 2024 at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup rehearsal dates are Monday, February 5, 2024 and Monday, February 26, 2024, if needed
  • Dress Rehearsal is on Monday, March 11, 2024
  • Performance, Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 7:00 PM at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 7:00 PM, location TBD
Middle School Honors Chorus (grades 6, 7 & 8)
  • Auditions are on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 – 5:00-8:00 PM, at Kenmore Middle School
  • All auditions, rehearsals, and concerts are at Kenmore Middle School
  • Rehearsal, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, 5:30-8:00 PM
  • Rehearsal, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, 5:30-8:00 PM
  • Rehearsal, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, 5:30-8:30 PM
  • Dress Rehearsals, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, 2:00-3:30 PM
  • In the event of a snow day, dress rehearsals on Saturday, January 27 may be lengthened
  • Concert – Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, 4:00 PM – Kenmore MS
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Monday, January 29, 2024, at 7:00 PM, Kenmore MS

Below you will find the audition music and registration forms for each performing group:

Junior Honors Band (grades 4 – 6)

Gregory Stickeler directs the Junior Honors Band, and Gina Koesterer is the manager.

Auditions: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Kenmore Middle School

  • Students may choose from five different audition times: 4:30–5:00, 5:00–5:30, 5:30–6:00, 6:00–6:30, 6:30–7:00
  • Check-in begins 15 minutes before each audition slot. Registration closes at 6:45 PM
  • Percussionists must audition on both snare and a mallet instrument
  • Students may leave when their audition is finished
  • Please email questions to Christopher Monroy or call at 703-228-6299

Rehearsals and Performance:

  • Auditions are on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 – 4:30-7:00 PM, at Kenmore Middle School
  • Rehearsals are from 7:15–8:30 PM, Tuesdays, Jan. 16-March 12, 2024 at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup rehearsal dates are  Monday, February 5, 2024 and Monday, February 26, 2024, if needed
  • Dress Rehearsal is on Monday, March 11, 2024
  • Performance, Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 7:00 PM at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 7:00 PM, location TBD

Registration Materials for Junior Honors Band (grades 4 – 6): 

Registration Materials for Junior Honors Band in Spanish (grades 4 – 6): 

2023 – 2024 Audition Music for Junior Honors Band (grades 4 – 6): 

Junior Honors Orchestra (grades 4 – 6)

Kristin Gomez directs the Junior Honors Orchestra, and Michelle Shine is the manager.

Auditions:  Wednesday, November 8, 2023 – 5:00–7:30 PM, Violins Only – 4:00–5:00 –  Kenmore MS

  • Students may choose from five different audition times: 5:00–5:30, 5:30–6:00, 6:00–6:30, 6:30–7:00, 7:00-7:30
  • Early auditions are available for Violins Only from 4:00–4:30 PM, 4:30–5:00 PM
  • Check-in begins 15 minutes before each audition slot. Registration closes at 7:15 PM
  • Students may leave when their audition is finished
  • Please email questions to Christopher Monroy or call at 703-228-6299

Rehearsals and Performance: 

  • Rehearsals are from 7:00–8:15 PM, Tuesdays, Jan. 16-March 12, 2024 at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup rehearsal dates are  Monday, February 5, 2024 and Monday, February 26, 2024, if needed
  • Dress Rehearsal is on Monday, March 11, 2024
  • Performance, Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 7:00 PM at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 7:00 PM, location TBD

Registration Materials for Junior Honors Orchestra (grades 4 – 6): 

Registration Materials for Junior Honors Orchestra in Spanish (grades 4 – 6): 

Audition Music and Materials for Junior Honors Orchestra (grades 4 – 6): Audition Music (pdf files):

Junior Honors Orchestra Scoring Sheet

Honors Band (grades 7 and 8)

Randall Stewart directs the Honors Band, and Kristen Bartholomew is the manager.

Auditions: 

  • Auditions are on Thursday, November 9, 2023 – 4:30-7:00 PM, at Kenmore Middle School
  • Students may choose from five different audition times: 4:30–5:00, 5:00–5:30, 5:30–6:00, 6:00–6:30, 6:30–7:00
  • Check-in begins 15 minutes before each audition slot. Registration closes at 6:45 PM
  • Percussionists must audition on both snare and a mallet instrument
  • Students may leave when their audition is finished
  • Please email questions to Christopher Monroy or call at 703-228-6299

Rehearsals and Performance, all at Kenmore Middle School:

  • Rehearsal, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, 6:00-8:30 PM
  • Rehearsal, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, 6:00-8:30 PM
  • Rehearsal, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, 6:00-9:00 PM
  • Dress Rehearsals, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
  • In the event of a snow day, dress rehearsals on Saturday, January 27, may be lengthened
  • Concert – Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, 4:00 PM – Kenmore MS
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Monday, January 29, 2024, at 7:00 PM, Kenmore MS

Registration Materials for Honors Band (grades 7 & 8): 

Registration Materials for Honors Band in Spanish (grades 7 & 8): 

2023 – 2024 Audition Music for Honors Band (grades 7 & 8):

Scales will be requested in the key in which the instrument plays, not in concert key.

Honors Orchestra (grades 7 and 8)

Laura Cahn Wallace directs the Honors Orchestra, and Lexie Rowland is the manager.

Auditions: 

  • Auditions are on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 – 5:00-7:30 PM, at Kenmore Middle School. In addition, there will be extra violin only slots between 4:00-5:00 PM
  • Check-in begins 15 minutes before each audition slot. Registration closes at 7:15 PM
  • Students may leave when their audition is finished
  • Please email questions to Christopher Monroy or call at 703-228-6299

Rehearsals and Performance: All Rehearsals and Concert are at Kenmore Middle School

  • Rehearsal, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, 5:45-8:15 PM
  • Rehearsal, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, 5:45-8:15 PM
  • Rehearsal, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, 5:45-8:45 PM
  • Dress Rehearsals, Saturday, Jan. 27, 12:30 PM-2:00 PMKenmore Middle School
  • In the event of a snow day, dress rehearsals on Saturday, January 27 may be lengthened
  • Concert – Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, 4:00 PM – Kenmore MS
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Monday, January 29, 2024, at 7:00 PM, Kenmore MS

Registration Materials for Honors Orchestra (grades 7 & 8): 

Registration Materials for Honors Orchestra in Spanish (grades 7 & 8): 

2023 – 2024 Audition Music:

Notes from the director on the audition music:

  • All string instruments can rehearse the music together.
  • There is no sight reading; the judges will be listening for shifting, technique, and tone color.

Honors Orchestra Auditions Score Sheets

Elementary Honors Chorus (grade 5)

Marji Dwyer directs the Elementary Honors Chorus, Raifel Faison is the accompanist.

Auditions:  

Auditions are held at Kenmore Middle School. Parents should request a time slot below through the online registration form. Please arrive during the selected time slot.

  • Monday, October 30, 2023 – 4:00-8:00 PM, or
  • Thursday, November 2, 2023 – 4:30-8:30 PM
    • Students may leave when their audition is finished. All auditions are at Kenmore Middle School.
    • All students will be notified of the results within two weeks
    • Please email questions to Christopher Monroy or call at 703-228-6299

Rehearsals and Performance:

  • Rehearsals are from 6:45–8:00 PM, Tuesdays, January 16-March 12, 2024 at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup rehearsal dates are Monday, February 5, 2024 and Monday, February 26, 2024, if needed
  • Dress Rehearsal is on Monday, March 11, 2024
  • Performance, Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 7:00 PM at Kenmore Middle School
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 7:00 PM, location TBD

2023 – 2024 Registration Materials and Music:  

Registration Materials for Honors Chorus in Spanish (grade 5):  

Audition Music and Materials for Honors Chorus (grade 5): 

Middle School Honors Chorus (grades 6, 7 & 8)

Christian Banach directs the Middle Schools Honors Chorus, The accompanist is Nadim Nader.

Middle School Honors Chorus (grades 6-8)

  • Please note that the Middle School Honors Chorus is open to ALL Arlington Public School Middle School students
  • Students are encouraged to participate in their school’s choral program, but it is not a prerequisite for participation in the Honors Chorus
  • 6th graders who are accepted into the Honors Chorus may also participate in the Junior Honors Band or Junior Honors Orchestra, after a successful audition
  • 7th and 8th graders may choose to participate in only one of these groups:  Honors Band, Honors Orchestra, or Honors Chorus

Auditions:

  • Auditions are scheduled for Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA 22204
    • Feel free to sign up your students, regardless of grade level, into any of the open slots. Currently, the first three time slots have more students registered than the last three slots.
    • 5:00 – 5:30 PM – Grades 6, 7 and 8
    • 5:30 – 6:00 PM – Grades 6, 7 and 8
    • 6:00 – 6:30 PM – Grades 6, 7 and 8
    • 6:30 – 7:00 PM – Grades 6, 7 and 8
    • 7:00 – 7:30 PM – Grades 6, 7 and 8
    • 7:30 – 8:00 PM – Grades 6, 7 and 8
    • Check in for all students begins 15 minutes before the assigned audition slot. Registration times will be selected on the online registration form.
    • Please email questions to Christopher Monroy or call at 703-228-6299

Rehearsals and Performance: All rehearsals as well as the concert, are at Kenmore MS

  • Rehearsal, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, 5:30-8:00 PM
  • Rehearsal, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, 5:30-8:00 PM
  • Rehearsal, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, 5:30-8:30 PM
  • Dress Rehearsals, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, 2:00-3:30 PM
  • In the event of a snow day, dress rehearsals on Saturday, January 27 may be lengthened
  • Concert – Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, 4:00 PM – Kenmore MS
  • The snow makeup date for the concert is Monday, January 29, 2024, at 7:00 PM, Kenmore MS

Registration Materials for Middle School Honors Chorus (grades 6, 7 & 8): 

Registration Materials for Middle School Honors Chorus in Spanish (grades 6, 7 & 8): 

Audition Music and Materials for Middle School Honors Chorus (grades 6, 7 & 8):

If you have questions or would like some help with this, speak to the chorus teacher at your school, who will be happy to assist

  1. Vocally Perform Shenandoah (mp3 files are housed on Soundcloud)
  2. Sing an Ascending and Descending Major Scale – the mp3 files below, are housed on Soundcloud
    1. Singers are encouraged to sing their scale on Solfege syllables
    2. Scale Keys
      1. Soprano – F Major
      2. Alto – D Major
      3. Tenor – G Major
      4. Bass – D Major

Performances

2023 Honors Concert – January 28, 2023

  • All information about future broadcasts will be listed on the AETV website
  • If you would like to order a professionally-recorded CD, please contact RonArt Associates:  703-362-5373 or ronart.assoc@cox.net

Inclement Weather:

  • If APS cancels evening activities, Honors rehearsals will not take place. School closings are posted at the top of the APS website.

Questions? Please email Honors Music Program Coordinator:  Christopher Monroy