How good do you have to be to get into an allstate band?

Question:im an 8th grader playing the flute
yeah i already sent in my recording and such but just waiting for the result...i wouldn't say im really great but out of my band, i could say im one of the best =]

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: im an 8th grader playing the flute
yeah i already sent in my recording and such but just waiting for the result...i wouldn't say im really great but out of my band, i could say im one of the best =]

Out of your band, you may be the best, but usually there is no quota per ensemble. You are literally competing against everyone else in the state. (at least the ones who play your instrument) The simple answer is that you have to be very good, and you have to be able to demonstrate that talent without the benefit of your winning personality, since the tape will only record what you play!

The more complicated answer is that you have to be just a little bit better than the person who doesn't make it! You don't have to be the best player in the state, just good enough to make it into the ensemble. The best thing to do right now is think about what good you got out of auditioning, and what you have already gained from that experience. Anything else you get is gravy. You are going to be auditioning for the rest of your life in one way or another, and this was an opportunity for you to hone your skills. If you made the most of it, then hopefully you got the gig. If you did not get the gig, and you gave it your best shot, then congratulate yourself for getting through it and move on to the next challenge. Best of luck no matter what happens and remember that in just a few years, you are going to be the one on the other end of this conversation. Be worthy of that individual who isn't quite sure of themselves yet, as I hope I have been worthy of your time!

Well, depends. In Texas competition is fierce. My answer to you: If you know all 12 major scales, some minor scales, 3 octave arpeggios, can tongue very well as in fast and articulated, and can play advanced etudes, then you should make an Allstate band.

In my opinion, get the 30 Etudes for Flute by Sigfrid Karg-Elert and the Etudes from Eugene Bozza along with his solo piece "Images." Work on those first slow then build them up. They're all available at Sheet Music Plus.

Just FYI: High school All-State music is basically Undergraduate repertoire.

I'm just curious -- does your teacher have a studio system, where all the students get together at least once every two months and play together and compare notes? Also, is your teacher a member of NFMC, and do you participate in the Festivals? The reason I ask is that I get the impression that you are very dedicated and love the flute, but are unsure of where you stand or exactly how to improve. Since you'll be in high school soon, you are right at the age when you can improve really quickly with the right program -- right for you. Learn about what is out there, and participate in everything that appeals to you. And, keep practicing!

Music a lot like a foreign language. One day, when you least expect to improve and you're so frustrated and ready to quit, you suddenly get a lot better. It's one of the best experiences you'll ever have. Remember, too , that the people you meet over the next few years who are so good, and *seem* much better than you are, may be the ones who won't be playing in ten years and won't care about music. I don't understand that myself, but I've seen it so many times I know it is true.