CHS Steel Open House
On Thursday, May 18, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm in the CHS cafeteria, CHS Steel will host an open house for anyone interested in learning more about the band. In addition to hearing the current band perform, anyone attending will get to try playing the pans!
CHS Steel "Learn to Play Pan" Summer Camp
Our "Learn to Play Pan" camp is scheduled for the week of July 17-21, 2023. The camp is for 7th, 8th, 9th, or 10th graders (as of the 2022-2023 school year) zoned for Catonsville High School. Check back for updates!
CHS Steel Auditions
On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, from 2:45 - 4:45, auditions for the 2023 – 2024 school year will be held in the "Panyard," the steel band rehearsal room located near the cafeteria on the basement level of the main building.
Callbacks from the first day of auditions will be held on Thursday, September 7th from 2:45 - 4:45. The regular schedule of Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday rehearsals from 2:45 - 4:45 will begin on Monday, September 11.
Students auditioning should be able to read music but no prior experience playing pan is necessary. Students interested in auditioning on drum set are expected to audition on pan as well.
More Information about Auditions
Students who make the band demonstrate a strong knowledge of note reading in either treble or bass clef, take direction from directors and student leaders positively and make corrections when needed, and demonstrate that they are picking up the music and the instrument quickly. Students also show determination and perseverance in a fast-paced rehearsal environment. Our first performances are shortly after auditions, so learning music happens at a very quick pace right from the start.
Students must also be able to commit to attending rehearsals on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2:45 - 4:45 after school throughout the school year.
Auditions for Drumset
Any student interested in joining the band will audition on pan. Students who have prior drumset experience may also wish to audition on drumset. Students will be asked to demonstrate steady beat through two different drum beats. The first drum beat is the Calypso drum beat seen here.
Students auditioning on drumset would also be asked to play any drum beat of their choosing. The audition is largely focused on students playing at a steady tempo for an extended period of time.
Resources for Students Interested in Auditioning
Students selected from the audition process must demonstrate the ability to read music on the staff. Students do NOT need to know how to read music with both clefs!
Here are some resources that could be helpful in preparing for the auditions.
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