BAND SIGHT-READING GUIDELINES

The criteria listed below are intended as guidelines only.  The selection of sight-reading music for band is, at best, an inexact process.  Rarely will music be found that meets all the desired educational and organizational objectives of sight-reading.  These guidelines should, therefore, be considered no more than a point of departure for the challenging task of selecting music which constitutes a fair test of sight-reading skills for all who attempt it.

Numerous criteria were considered for this list; the ones chosen were seen as being quantifiable yet not unduly restrictive to the selection process.  Directors should keep in mind that the first criteria for selection should be to select music that will not only properly evaluate sight-reading skills but also provide an opportunity to read a quality piece of music.

Standard musical terminology is expected in all classifications.  DS/DC and repeats may be used.

BANDS CLASS C

KEY:   C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab; one or two changes possible

METER:  4/4, 3/4, 2/4; one or two changes possible

RANGE:  Consistently found in Class C required numbers

RHYTHM:  Consistently found in Class C required numbers

SCORING:  Predominately full ensemble or full section scoring

LENGTH:  2-1/2 to 4 minutes suggested

SOLOS:  Very limited use.  Not difficult or in long duration

NUMBER OF PARTS MOST COMMON

Clarinet:  2

Trumpet:  2

Horn:  1

Trombone:  1

Percussion:  4

BANDS CLASS B

KEY:   C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab; one or two changes suggested

METER:  4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 2/2, 6/8;  one or two changes suggested

RANGE:  Commonly found in Class B required numbers

RHYTHM:  Commonly found in Class B required numbers

SCORING:  Predominately full ensemble/section scoring with some transparent scoring

LENGTH:  3-5 minutes suggested

SOLOS:  Medium difficulty and length acceptable in major sections

NUMBER OF PARTS MOST COMMON

Clarinet:  2/3

Trumpet:  2/3

Horn:  1

Trombone:  2

Percussion:  5

BANDS CLASS A

KEY:   C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db; multiple key changes possible

METER:  All/4, All/2, All/8; one or more key changes suggested

RANGE:  Commonly found in Class A required numbers

RHYTHM:  Commonly found in Class A required numbers

SCORING:  Mix of full ensemble/section scoring and transparent scoring

LENGTH:  4-6 minutes suggested

SOLOS:  Acceptable in all sections

NUMBER OF PARTS MOST COMMON

Clarinet:  3

Trumpet:  3

Horn:  2

Trombone:  3

Percussion:  6

BANDS CLASS AA

KEY:   C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db; multiple key changes recommended

METER:  All/4, All/2, All/8; one or more key changes suggested

RANGE:  Commonly found in Class AA required numbers

RHYTHM:  Commonly found in Class AA required numbers

SCORING:  Full ensemble/feature sections in parts and much transparent scoring

LENGTH:  4-7 minutes suggested

SOLOS:  All sections possible and several recommended

NUMBER OF PARTS MOST COMMON

Clarinet:  3

Trumpet:  3

Horn:  4

Trombone:  3

Percussion:  6