All students who are a part of the Cresskill High School Concert Bands (Grades 7-12) are eligible to audition for the Bergen County Band.  There is a band for 7-8 grade and a band for 9-12 grade.  They each have different audition requirements, directors, audition dates and rehearsal times.   Come to this page for the most updated information and links to the MEBCI website. (Music Educators of Bergen County Inc.  Other information can be found at WWW.MEBCI.ORG

The Bergen County Middle and High School Band auditions are fast approaching! Sponsored by the Music Educators of Bergen County, Inc. (MEBCI), this audition-only group is a wonderful opportunity for strong instrumentalists who are interested in a more rigorous and challenging band experience, while performing with other talented students from over 30 sponsoring schools in Bergen County. The inexperienced or struggling musician may find the band audition difficult to master.  This audition is designed for students who are near the top of their sections here in Cresskill.

Please be sure to take into consideration the time commitment when deciding whether or not a student should audition - 3-5 rehearsals will take place in preparation for the concert.  These rehearsals could take place after school, during school and/or on the weekend of the concert. The performance take place on a Sunday afternoon/early evening.  (Schedule is listed in the Band Student Instructions). Inclement weather rehearsal and performance dates are also included in the schedule, and must be kept clear, as well. Due to the limited, rigorous rehearsal schedule, NO ABSENCES for any reason are allowed.

PLEASE NOTE: Student audition forms and audition fees ($10.00 checks made payable to CRESSKILL MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) are due for submission no later than the dates listed below . (These dates are earlier than the deadline listed by the sponsoring organization because sponsoring teachers need to process paperwork, request school checks, and mail all information certified mail.) No late applications will be accepted.

Students who plan to audition will need to schedule a time to perform your audition materials for either Mr. Verderese or Mrs. Ofshinsky.  At that point, we will make a final determination as to whether or not you are prepared for the audition.  We will contact you in regards to the schedule for this "pre-screening" audition.

With sometimes up to 300 students auditioning, students could be involved in the audition process (warmups, waiting in line, and auditioning) anywhere between 15 minutes to 4 hours.

Parents are not to contact MEBCI personnel - please direct any questions, complaints, or concerns to Mr. Verderese or Mrs. Ofshinsky.

Unfortunately, there is no audition for string players in the Bergen County Band.  Please see the "Region Orchestra" page for information.

High School Auditions will be held on
Tuesday, November 29, 2022 - 4:30pm @Mahwah High School

Signature forms and audition fees are due to Mr. Verderese/Mrs. Ofshinsky before 3:15pm on October 26, 2022.  NO LATE FORMS/FEES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. This means you must fill out the online application form prior to this date, have it signed and submitted by 10/26/22.  Checks should be made out to "CHS Instrumental Music."  PLEASE DO NOT MAKE CHECKS OUT TO MEBCI.

CLICK HERE FOR BAND AUDITION REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION

- includes scales and concert music excerpts for wind players
- includes scales, rudiments, etudes and audition requirements for percussionists.

HS Band Student Information

HS Band Scale and Solo Requirements (Winds)

HS Band Percussion Requirements (All music is posted on website)

Wind players are required to learn the music for "Variations on a Korean Folk Song"
Please email Mr. Verderese to obtain a copy of the music if you need it.

RECORDING:  Variations on a Korean Folk Song

Percussionist may choose to audition on the following instruments:

• Multi-Percussion (Snare + everything else, including bass drum, cymbals, tambourine and many other auxiliary percussion instruments)
• Timpani
• Mallet Percussion

These are 3 different auditions and the music can be found by clicking here.

Middle School Auditions will be held on
Thursday, October 13, 2022 - 4:30pm @ Brookside Middle School in Allendale.

Signature forms and audition fees are due to Mr. Verderese/Mrs. Ofshinsky before 3:15pm on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.  NO LATE FORMS/FEES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.   This means you must fill out the online application form prior to this date, have it signed and submitted by 9/28/22. Checks should be made out to "CMS Instrumental Music."  PLEASE DO NOT MAKE CHECKS OUT TO MEBCI.

CLICK HERE FOR BAND AUDITION REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION
- includes scales and concert music excerpts for wind players
- includes scales, rudiments, etudes and
concert music excerpts for percussionists.

MS-Band-Student Information-2022

MS-Band-Scale Requirements

MEBCI Middle School Festival Band Student Application

Wind players are required to learn the music for "High Flight" by Chris Bernotas
Please email or see Mr. Verderese to obtain a copy of the music.

Recording of this piece is unavailable, as it is a brand new piece that has never been performed before.

Percussionist may choose to audition on the following instruments:

• Multi-Percussion (Snare + everything else, including bass drum, cymbals, tambourine and many other auxiliary percussion instruments)
• Timpani
• Mallet Percussion

These are 3 different auditions and the music can be found by clicking here.