When are Washington All-State band auditions?

Washington WMEA All-State band auditions occur in two stages. District auditions happen November 3 – December 31, 2025. Top performers advance to All-State auditions on February 20–22, 2026 in the Seattle/Tacoma area.

What are the Washington All-State band audition requirements?

Students perform 12 major scales, 12 natural minor scales, 12 harmonic minor scales, chromatic scale, a lyrical etude, a technical etude, and sight-read material. Scoring: Scales 25%, Lyrical Etude 30%, Technical Etude 30%, Sight-Reading 15%.

How are Washington All-State band auditions conducted?

Washington uses live in-person auditions at both district and All-State levels. You perform alone in a room with judges. You'll play scales, etudes, and sight-read material in a continuous audition lasting 12-14 minutes.

Who can audition for Washington WMEA All-State band?

High school students in grades 9-12 who are active members of a WMEA-sanctioned school's band program, registered by their band director, and assigned to the correct audition district are eligible.

Washington All-State Band Audition Guide 2025–2026 | WMEA

Washington WMEA

All-State Band Audition Guide

Prepare for Washington All-State band auditions — District pathway: November-February 2025–2026

Key Dates & Deadlines

District Auditions:: November 3 – December 31, 2025 (varies by district)
All-State Auditions:: February 20–22, 2026 (Seattle/Tacoma area)
Format:: In-person live auditions
Organization:: Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA)
All-State Clinic:: February 23–24, 2026

Eligibility Requirements

To audition for Washington WMEA All-State Band, you must meet all of the following:

✓Be a high school student (grades 9-12) enrolled in a Washington school
✓Be an active member of your school's band program (concert band or symphonic band)
✓Be registered by your band director in the WMEA audition system before the district deadline
✓Attend school in your assigned district
✓Your school must be sanctioned by WMEA and the Washington State School Music Association

Scale Requirements

Scales are essential to Washington All-State auditions, accounting for 25% of your total score. Scale mastery requires disciplined, consistent daily practice.

Required Scales

• 12 major scales (all keys, ascending and descending)
• Natural minor and harmonic minor in all 12 keys
• Chromatic scale (full range)
• All scales at quarter note = 88 BPM, articulated as specified by WMEA

Scoring Breakdown

Scales: 25% • Lyrical Etude: 30% • Technical Etude: 30% • Sight-Reading: 15%

Complete scale specifications are available on the WMEA website and in your school's audition packet. Your band director will provide details on tempo, articulation, and acceptable keys.

Etude & Solo Requirements

You must perform two contrasting etudes from the official WMEA etude list. Both are required at district auditions and again if you advance to All-State.

Lyrical Etude

A musical, song-like etude that emphasizes long tones, phrasing, breath control, and expressive playing. Counts for 30% of total score.

Technical Etude

A challenging etude with fast passages, articulation variety, and range that demonstrates technical command. Counts for 30% of total score.

Sight-Reading

You'll sight-read a piece provided at audition time. Counts for 15% of total score. Practice reading new material 2-3 times weekly from method books.

In-Person Audition Format

Washington uses live in-person auditions at both district and All-State levels. You'll perform in a separate room with judges who listen and score your playing.

Audition Environment

You'll audition in a quiet room or rehearsal space. Judges sit across from you with score sheets. Metronome is permitted for scales only.

Performance Sequence

Perform in order: 12 major scales, 12 natural minors, 12 harmonic minors, chromatic, lyrical etude, technical etude, sight-reading. Total time: 12-14 minutes.

Judge Feedback

After your audition, judges may provide written feedback. Use this as roadmap for improvement if advancing to All-State.

What to Bring

Bring all etude music, scale sheet, metronome, pencil, and water. Arrive 20 minutes early. Dress neatly. Bring your school ID or driver's license.

Preparation Timeline (4–5 Months)

Start in August to build solid fundamentals before district auditions in November–December.

August 2025

Obtain your etude assignments from your band director. Begin learning both etudes slowly. Start daily scale practice focusing on tone quality and intonation.

September 2025

Master the structure of both etudes. Play all scales daily at audition tempo (quarter = 88). Isolate difficult measures in etudes. Record yourself weekly.

October 2025

Run full scales and etudes multiple times daily. Do mock auditions with your director at least twice. Begin sight-reading practice with new material.

November 2025

Final polishing for district auditions. Run 2-3 full mock auditions. Record yourself in audition order. Attend your district audition.

December 2025 – February 2026

If advancing, incorporate judges' feedback. Continue daily practice. Prepare mentally for All-State. Attend final preparation sessions with your director.

Practice Tips for WMEA Success

→Scales every day, first thing — Never skip scales. They're 25% of your score and need daily maintenance to stay sharp
→Practice scales in random order — Shuffle your scale keys to prevent muscle memory from hiding intonation problems. Random = more honest feedback
→Time your full scale run — Can you play all 12 majors + 12 naturals + 12 harmonics + chromatic in 8-9 minutes? That's audition pace
→Spend 70% of etude practice on problem areas — Don't play through all the way. Isolate the hard parts and hammer them repeatedly
→Record mock auditions weekly — Once per week, record yourself performing scales → lyrical → technical → sight-read without stopping
→Read fresh sight-reading material twice weekly — Use your method book or download new band music. Don't memorize old audition examples
→Build mental stamina for 12+ minute auditions — Your practice sessions should exceed audition length. Do 18-20 minute nonstop practice blocks 2-3 times weekly
→Get written feedback from your director — After each practice audition, have your director write down three specific things to improve before the next one

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