Cincinnati Honors Brass Band

2008 Schedule

Introduction Letter

Information Sheet Form
MISSION STATEMENT

    The Cincinnati Youth Brass Band (CYBB), with the support of the Cincinnati Brass Band (CBB) and Buddy Rogers Music, has as it primary mission the preparation and education of instrumentalists for the continuation of music performance and appreciation throughout life.

    It is our goal to provide a program that will develop well-rounded musicians who are prepared to face the challenges of an ever-changing world.  In addition, we are directed towards maintaining a leadership role for the youth brass band movement locally and nationally.

    At the secondary level (grades 8-12) we seek to:
  • Expand the technical, intellectual, and aesthetic horizons of the student musicians.
  • Promote the highest performance standards that result in soul-to-soul music.
  • Prepare for Brass Band Literature of the future by exploring the music of the present while preserving the music of the past.
  • Increase the awareness of the artistic and historical significance of Brass Band Literature.
  • Create a positive music-making environment that allows the knowledge gained to be applied to the ensemble performance.
  • Provide a balanced experience that promotes creativity, flexibility, and versatility in each student musician.
  • Preserve and promote the repertoire of the Brass Band medium, which is a unique musical art form.
  • Provide student musicians with performance and clinic opportunities that in turn foster musical growth.
  • Broaden the concept of student performance skills by encouraging creative thought and artistic interaction.

    The Cincinnati Youth Honors Brass Band has an important secondary mission that is to provide students with an avenue to continue their involvement in the performing arts, both as students and later as adults.  The CYBB is committed to the concept of maintaining a performance ensemble that encourages those who do not have career plans in music to develop the aesthetic self in addition to the academic self.  The CYBB is dedicated to the education of the whole human through our involvement in the community at large.  

Contact Information
Greg Mills, Director    gmills@kingslocal.k12.oh.us
(513) 398-8050 ext. 11042
Bill Harvey  whh@buddyrogers.com
(513) 728-6000 ext. 204
Link to North American Brass Band Association


Member Information

MEMBERSHIP

The Cincinnati Honor Brass Band is an honors group of the best brass and percussion players at the high school level.  The group will be consist of grades 8 thru 12.

Requirements of membership include:

♪     Nomination by your band director or private instructor

♪     Member of good standing in your school band program

♪     Audition for acceptance and seating

♪     Commitment to attend all weekly rehearsals

♪     Attend all performances

This group has been formed to afford the opportunity to improve your musical skills through challenging performance.  It is also designed to supplement the school band experience, and as such, school band functions will take precedence over honor brass band activities.

 AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

♪     Scales:

§         Each student is required to have memorized all major scales up to 4 flats and 4 sharps.  You will be asked to play two of these scales. 

§         Each student is required to play a one octave chromatic scale, up and down the octaves, starting on any note.

♪     Prepared Excerpts

§         Two, 16-32 measure excerpts from band music, solo & ensemble literature or etudes.  Should show your lyrical and technical abilities.  (Selections from your current concert band music is usually a good choice).

♪     Sight Reading

§         2-3 shorts selections will be required of all nominees.  These will be selected by the auditioner.

MEMBERSHIP FEES

2007/08 SEASON

The board members of the parent organization, the Cincinnati Brass Band, set the fee for the CYBB.  This organization funds the group in many ways, most notably through the purchase of instruments, music and other equipment.

This Honor group’s goal is to become as self supporting as possible and requires the purchase of music, some staffing cost, hotel-room fee for two nights at the NABBA Competition from March 28-30, 2008.  This contest will be held at Indiana University Southeast in Louisville, Kentucky.

The fee for participation in the organization has been set at $225.00.  The fee may be paid in full or in three payments as follows:  $75.00 due on or by Tuesday, December 11,  $75.00 due on or by Tuesday, January 8, and the final payment of $75.00 is due on or by Tuesday, February 12, 2008. Checks should be made to the Cincinnati Brass Band and given to either Mr. Mills or Mrs. Carrans at rehearsal.  Mrs. Carrans will process all deposits and keep records for the ensemble.

This may seem like a large amount of money but the experience will be very worthwhile and breaks down to less than $10.00 per session.  This amount is much less than a private lesson.  In addition, the travel costs are included for a great musical weekend at the annual NABBA event!

Fees cover:                                  Typical Additional costs:

NABBA Dues                              Meals (three lunches and one dinner)
Transportation to Louisville        NABBA “extras” (Performance CD, t-shirts, etc.)
Two nights in hotel                      Spending money for trip
One pizza party

If your son or daughter would like to participate and the fee payment structure does not fit your family’s budget, please contact Mr. Mills to discuss a plan that would accommodate your needs.

Thank you for your interest in the growing organization!

Board members of the Cincinnati Brass Band
Greg Mills & Al Schmidt, Conductors
 


Nomination Form

The Cincinnati Honors Brass Band is an honors level group for brass and percussion players.  Nominated students should be the best brass and percussion students, be a member in good standing of the school band program, be a 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th grader and be available to rehearse on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Kings High School.

Nomination Form





Disclaimer:  The Brass Band is not sponsored by KMA or Kings High School.