Muscle Shoals High School Band

We had a great audition season! Congrats to all!

As you read through the lists, please keep in mind that I am only human, and I may have made a mistake. If you believe there is a mistake, then please let me know, so I can correct it for you.

Please read the Roles and Responsibilities of the BLT below to get a better idea of your responsibility on the Band Leadership Team.

Marching band solos will be auditioned during band camp. Music should be posted in June for students to begin practicing.

All concert band students will be back in 4th block next year due to the schedule changing at MSMS. There will still be 2 ensembles for MPA, and we will likely combine for the Spring Fusion Concert. Membership in the Wind Ensemble comes with high expectations. If a student doesn't meet the expectation of practicing and being prepared for rehearsal, they will be replaced by a member of the Symphonic Band.

Chair tests for concert band will be in person in December.

Have a great summer break!

As you discover your audition results and placement, please remember:

1. We care about you.
2. Sometimes the lessons we least want to hear are the ones we most need to learn. Those moments help prepare us for the productive struggles, disappointments, and victories that come with life.
3. Life is not always fair, easy, or predictable. Sometimes things simply do not go the way we hoped they would. That can be difficult, and I understand that.
4. Please be considerate in how you react. Celebrate or process disappointment away from the band room, smartphones, and social media.
5. Do not share anyone else’s placement. Please do not take pictures or send results to others. Everyone deserves the opportunity to see their results for themselves.
6. The number of students auditioning and applying for the BLT continues to grow, and the overall level of musicianship in our program continues to rise. As a result, placement in advanced ensembles has become increasingly competitive.
7. If you truly gave your best effort, then you should be proud of that. Your effort is what you can control.
8. If you have questions, you are welcome to email Mrs. Hood respectfully and in a composed manner. Parent emails will not be addressed until the student has communicated with the director first. We will be honest with you because…

9. We care about you.

PARENTS — I would also like to ask for a few considerations regarding your student’s band placement.

• We are all here for the betterment of your students. We care deeply about them and their growth as musicians and people.

• The band directors at Muscle Shoals work hard to provide the best musical instruction, guidance, and experience possible. Part of that responsibility is honestly assessing students’ growth and readiness.

• Many students are working incredibly hard — practicing consistently, studying music, learning new styles, and taking private lessons.

• Emotions can cloud judgment.

• A student’s musical journey is always changing. Auditions capture only a snapshot of where they are at that moment in time. Placement decisions also consider prior rehearsal experiences, preparation, attitude, consistency, and musicianship. Seniority is not a factor. My responsibility is to carefully select the musicians who best fit each ensemble and the BLT.

• It is unavoidable that some students will not receive the placement they hoped for. However, there is a place for every motivated student, and I remain committed to helping each one continue growing as a musician, performer, and lifelong music lover.

Lastly, I ask that students advocate for themselves through direct, face-to-face communication with me if questions or concerns arise. After the student has communicated directly, parents are always welcome to contact me for further discussion if needed.