After a 2-year hiatus, the Pleasant Valley Wind Symphony is once again auditioning for the to play at the Iowa Bandmasters Conference in May.
Throughout the past week, the Wind Symphony has been taking several recordings of their fall “Cider and Pretzel” concert music to audition for the Iowa Bandmasters Conference. These recordings will be sent to the audition committee in the near future, who will then select one band in each size-based division from across the state to perform at this festival. The audition results will be released in late spring, and if selected, the band will participate in a music festival in mid-May.
The band began preparing for the audition in mid-October, immediately after the end of the marching band season. After weeks of practice, the Wind Symphony performed these pieces at their annual Cider and Pretzel Concert on Monday, Dec. 9. The band then spent the remainder of the week recording and rerecording the same pieces until they finally obtained their best versions.
The band directors took several steps to ensure the band submitted their best possible audition. A multi-microphone sound system was set up around the theater, allowing the recording to capture several layers of sound and merge them into one recording.
The placement of these microphones was also essential. “[Drumline instructor Mr. Foster] recommended the best mic placement to record a concert band is about 20′ behind the conductor, about 8-10′ up,” explained lead band director Drew Anderson. Multiple takes of each piece were recorded, ensuring a low-stress environment.
Additionally, the directors chose a balanced repertoire to show the different musical facets of the band. Pieces ranged from quintessential and highly technical compositions such as Four Scottish Dances by Malcom Arnold to slow, solemn arrangements, including Song of Solace by Ryan Nowlin.
Given that the last time that Pleasant Valley auditioned for this contest was two years ago and that the last time Pleasant Valley was accepted was in the 70s, it is a milestone for the music department to decide to audition once again.
The directors had a variety of reasons for choosing to push this year’s Wind Symphony to audition for this performance. “Many bands around the state will have a good woodwind, brass or percussion section, but we are pretty well balanced in every section and have a great core sound to the group,” stated Anderson.
Wind Symphony members themselves felt prepared for the audition. While some had apprehensions about the recordings, many, like sophomore flutist Reese Benge, felt the auditions appropriately represented the band. “I think our recordings last week displayed all the hard work the band has put into expressing our pieces beautifully,” explained Benge.
In the end, the Wind Symphony’s audition marks a special occasion for the music department as a whole. With the recordings completed and ready to be sent to the audition committee, all that remains for the band is to wait.
