Thoughts+on+the+Three+Tiered+Festival+System

Glenn R. Cameron (D2):

One of the discussion points that raised the most eyebrows and dander was the idea about having students pre-audition and then advance either to a district only or region to state only division.

Considerations:

1 - Students would pre-audition. 2 - Top scores would advance to regions... by-passing the district festival all together but audition. 3 - Lower scores (meeting or exceeding an acceptable minimum score) would advance to districts... with no further advancement possible.

Pros:

1 - More and different students would be involved. Providing more opportunty for more students. 2 - Same time out of school for music teachers but less time for individual students... going one track or the other. 3 - Better quality at the region and state levels.

Cons:

1 - Pre-auditions is almost impossible in D2 due to logistical concerns and driving distances! 2 - Lower over-all quality at district events... with no advancement possible and no extrinsic motivation to practice. 3 - Possible add cost for school districts... more students could be involved in both events depending on auditions.

Steve Luxbacher (D3):
 * Teachers agree that the current system is working. However, administrators are not as agreeable to the system, depending on the school.
 * Time away from class is the primary concern, especially for those who are the "one man operation" at their schools.