Challenges
Chair rankings are the most common form of organization used by bands and orchestras worldwide. The ultimate goal is to place the most proficient players on the most challenging parts. Chairs are established within the first two weeks of the symphonic band portion of the school year. Once chairs are established, students may move to a higher chair. This procedure is called CHAIR CHALLENGES.
Chair Challenge Information
Each band member will be assigned a chair ranking based on their performance of specific music and fundamental scales and exercises. Throughout the year, if a student feels they have improved and want to be considered for a higher chair, they can challenge the student in the next-highest chair. Challenges are intended to be educational, fun, and to boost our group's performance. Win or lose, the goal is to improve, and good sportsmanship is required.
How does it work?
Challenges will be carried out at the end of class in front of the director/band members. The challenger will play an excerpt from the assigned piece (assigned by the director), and then challengee will play the same excerpt. Whichever one has fewer mistakes will take the higher chair. A student can move up from last chair to first chair in a matter of weeks! Challenges help students improve their seating placement and even foster a small amount of healthy competition. Challenges should be viewed in the spirit of cooperation and courtesy.
These are the general rules and guidelines for the chair challenges.
1. The challenger may only challenge the chair directly in front of them (ex. 3rd chair challenges 2nd chair, NOT 1st chair)
2. The challenger must give at least a 3-day, 2-night notice. If you are unsure about a fair amount of notification (e.g., the challenge presented on Monday will take place on Wednesday, a Friday Challenge would take place on Monday)
3. The challenger must notify the person they are challenging in writing of the time, date, and the music to be played. The person being challenged must then sign the written notice. This notice is then dated, signed, and given to the band director. If a person being challenged forfeits, the challenger may move up to their position. If the person being challenged is absent on the day of the challenge, they will forfeit their seat. Students are STRONGLY DISCOURAGED from forfeiting. Everyone should remember that challenges improve everyone. Therefore, there are no losers.
4. The winner may continue to challenge based on the 3-day, 2-night rule. After a challenge, the non-winner must wait 1 week before issuing another challenge. You may not immediately re-challenge if you lose your chair for another 1 week. The reasoning behind this rule is as follows:
Challenges will most likely include scales, concert music, and workbook exercises assigned by Mr Barrow.
6. Challenger & Challengee will be notified of the outcome immediately.
Lastly, there will be no challenges within a 14-day window of performance.
Chair Challenge Information
Each band member will be assigned a chair ranking based on their performance of specific music and fundamental scales and exercises. Throughout the year, if a student feels they have improved and want to be considered for a higher chair, they can challenge the student in the next-highest chair. Challenges are intended to be educational, fun, and to boost our group's performance. Win or lose, the goal is to improve, and good sportsmanship is required.
How does it work?
Challenges will be carried out at the end of class in front of the director/band members. The challenger will play an excerpt from the assigned piece (assigned by the director), and then challengee will play the same excerpt. Whichever one has fewer mistakes will take the higher chair. A student can move up from last chair to first chair in a matter of weeks! Challenges help students improve their seating placement and even foster a small amount of healthy competition. Challenges should be viewed in the spirit of cooperation and courtesy.
These are the general rules and guidelines for the chair challenges.
1. The challenger may only challenge the chair directly in front of them (ex. 3rd chair challenges 2nd chair, NOT 1st chair)
2. The challenger must give at least a 3-day, 2-night notice. If you are unsure about a fair amount of notification (e.g., the challenge presented on Monday will take place on Wednesday, a Friday Challenge would take place on Monday)
3. The challenger must notify the person they are challenging in writing of the time, date, and the music to be played. The person being challenged must then sign the written notice. This notice is then dated, signed, and given to the band director. If a person being challenged forfeits, the challenger may move up to their position. If the person being challenged is absent on the day of the challenge, they will forfeit their seat. Students are STRONGLY DISCOURAGED from forfeiting. Everyone should remember that challenges improve everyone. Therefore, there are no losers.
4. The winner may continue to challenge based on the 3-day, 2-night rule. After a challenge, the non-winner must wait 1 week before issuing another challenge. You may not immediately re-challenge if you lose your chair for another 1 week. The reasoning behind this rule is as follows:
- To allow for stability in the section.
- To decrease the volume of challenges occurring each week.
- Allow students ample time to prepare the challenge music.
- Allow students to take a break from practicing challenge music and to practice their band music or private lesson assignments.
Challenges will most likely include scales, concert music, and workbook exercises assigned by Mr Barrow.
6. Challenger & Challengee will be notified of the outcome immediately.
Lastly, there will be no challenges within a 14-day window of performance.