During the trying time of 2020, some Beaver Area students found joy in music.

This past fall, four Beaver Area high schoolers auditioned for PMEA’s District 5 Honors Band. Freshman Anthony Tabone, along with juniors Rebecca Mizer, Ciana Novak, and Shannon Witkouski all auditioned for the Honors Band festival.

All three juniors were admitted to the band’s virtual roster—rather than performing in a festival as would normally take place. Mizer was also accepted into the next round of auditions for all-state band.

In the days pre-COVID, Honors Band hopefuls would go to Westminster College and audition for the judges in person. The panel of judges would have their backs turned to impartially select the best musicians the group had to offer.

However, this year, not surprisingly, the audition process was a bit different.

Participating students were given a week to submit a video of themselves playing a pre-selected piece of music on their respective instruments. Most saw this as an advantage for the audition process.

Mizer felt that online auditions were less stressful than in-person.

“I prefer recording auditions because you can make multiple recordings until you get one you are happy with. However, in-person auditions are nice because you only have one chance to audition, so you just have to go in there and do your best,” she said.

Tabone felt a bit differently on the matter.

“Since everything was online I was extremely nervous about missing an important notification or email, any glitches that could have occurred, etc. Despite this, I preferred [auditioning] online because I could make multiple attempts at the music and select the one that sounded the best,” he reported.

Since the audition was fully online, it took more time for the results to be released. Under the normal circumstances students would receive their results shortly after the event, but this year they didn’t know how they did until almost a month later.

“I received my results mid-December,” Novak stated.

The extended wait time made some nervous, but others were used to the stress of honors band.

This year was the third time auditioning for Mizer, Novak, and Witouski. Tabone stated it was his second time trying out.

“Technically this is my second time auditioning for Honors Band. I auditioned last year at a different school,” Tabone explained.

“I wasn’t nervous for the process,” Witkouski shared. “I had been working on my pieces since Spring 2020, so I was fully prepared to record my videos and submit them. I was more nervous about what my results would be.”

For those considering auditioning, the group shared tips on what to do and expect.

“If you decide to sign up, practice every day. The music is extremely difficult, and every second of practice will be worth it,” Tabone recommended.

Novak shared similar thoughts: “Put in the effort of practicing and getting feedback from others. If you don’t make it in the band, I was there, I didn’t give up. I tried again the next year, learned from my mistakes, and was accepted!”

“Take your audition piece apart then work for a goal during each practice season (for example, try to reach a certain tempo, play a certain phrase, etc.),” Witkouski advised. “Even if you don’t make an audition, that’s okay! Take it as a learning experience and a chance to grow as a musician.”

“Just get the music and try,” Mizer encouraged. “I know that audition pieces can be difficult. But start early in the summer or school year and learn a little bit each day. Also, you can audition all four years of high school. Even if you don’t make it your first year of auditioning, you will have learned what the audition looks like and will be more prepared for next year.”

Mizer, who is now eligible to audition for the all-state band, was delighted when hearing the results.

“I was so excited! I wasn’t sure how I would do this year, since the festivals look very different, so I was glad to hear I scored high enough to move on in the audition process.”