Possible competition for high school students in North Texas

[CrappyEuph]

I am trying to start a small competition for high school-age euphonium and tuba players. It would be at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX, and it would take place probably in May. I'm hoping that with the support of the UNT music school, its faculty, and the UNT branch of ITEA, this could become a really great event to have in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.

Nothing is definite yet - right now, I am just looking for students who would be interested in participating, and private teachers who think their students would come. I'm also looking for suggestions regarding all aspects of the competition including repertoire selection, scoring/judging methods, competition structure, etc. If you have any experience with this at all, I'd love to have your input.

Thanks in advance,
Jamie Lipton

[Dean]

Way to go troll poster!


When someone creates an account, makes ONE post, and its negative.... Do you really expect anyone to respond to it?



And to answer you: There isnt enough competition in the public schools as it is. Where my wife teaches, they do not allow even competitve "games" in the classroom (say, like a quiz-game) where there are "winners" and "losers." The administrators don't want to do anything wrong to damage the kids' fragile morale....

Incase you didn't know, you have to COMPETE with others to get a decent job, especially one you might actually enjoy doing. And once you get that job, you get to COMPETE again with your peers to get promoted/pay raise.

[Dean]

Not upset Just don't see the point of uncalled-for destructive posts, especially against a great idea.


Anything that gets high school kids inside the walls of UNT to listen to their euphonium players and the great bands there is a good thing.


That being said--Jamie, how about hosting the competition during school months--so they can really check out the studio and perhaps a Wind Symphony rehearsal or concert? Will they get to do that in May?

[CrappyEuph]

Dear winningtuba (troll),

I know exactly who you are and why you'd want to mess around on this thread, but since you asked a valid question, I will answer it.

First of all, anyone is welcome to enter this competition, but since it's taking place in Texas, I figured it would be mostly of interest to students here.

Second of all, I feel that a lot of Texas band students only get to perform a solos at solo/ensemble. The rest of the year they are up to their ears in marching band or rehearsing for UIL contest. This competition would give them the opportunity to perform a solo with an accompanist on a stage in front of an audience, which is an opportunity that I never had in high school.

Preparing a solo for this kind of performance is a task that takes effort and determination, and whether you win or not, it results in an overall improvement in your playing. I am excited about the possibility of extending this opportunity to area students, and I hope they take advantage of it.

Thanks, winningtuba, and good luck in all your upcoming fooseball matches.

- Jamie

[Rommel72]

I like Jamie's idea. I assume that she is talking about an itec style competition, where the students have to work up certain pieces. Personally I prefer to pick my own music, and always have. But, for this type of competition, it is eaiser to judge the students when they are all playing the same music. Hopefully something like this will pan out.

Rommel

[sprithammereuph]

I would be willing to sign up! I am also willing to do everything in my power to help you organize this event.

[passion4tuba]

I'm looking at going to UNT for a performance major. I'd love to compete

[BriceT]

I will definitely compete if this happens. With all of the great players in North Texas, this could be an awesome competition.

[porkchopsisgood]

I have a student that would definitely be interested from the Abilene area....4-A All Stater this year.

Let us know if it happens!

[CrappyEuph]

Hello -

I appreciate all this interest in my post - however, if you check the date on it, it was made over two years ago! The idea never came to fruition, but maybe it's something I should revisit.

Jamie Lipton

[ztuba]

I have a student in Vegas that would LOVE to get the OPPORTUNITY to COMPETE in this .. PLEASE DO THIS PLEASE PLEASE ... and PM me when you get final details!!!!

[ztuba]

bump.... is this going to happen ... I have a student that is VERY interested.

[CrappyEuph]

Unfortunately, it is too late to do anything for this year. Your student should check out the Falcone competition, though.

[ztuba]

That sucks though because he wants to ultimately go to north texas most likely, and that would have been the ultimate for him to compete in something put on by your school