FOR STUDENTS

What is SEMSBA?

It’s for students like you who love playing their instrument or sing, love being challenged, and/or love making new friends.

You’ll audition in front of a friendly judge on some scales that you’ve memorized and prepared ahead of time. You’ll also play/sing a prepared piece, and instrumentalists will be asked to sight-read a short piece of music. This part of the audition takes about 5-10 minutes. Click here to visit the auditions page for additional information.

You’ll receive a numerical score. If it’s within the cutoff, you’ll get to be a part of an amazing ensemble where you’ll play/sing challenging, satisfying music with like-minded students from all around the south shore area, led by a professional who will stretch your knowledge and let you get to know music on a deeper level. Lunch included.

What happens if I make it in?

You’ll receive a folder of music that will be performed at a concert in front of your friends and family. This is music you prepare yourself, or with a teacher. You’ll have a couple of months to get everything ready.

Then, you’ll participate in a two day festival where, on Friday, you’ll meet and practice with your new friends, and sing or play with the ensemble. You’ll come back the next morning for the finishing touches before having lunch and then performing.

Why participate in SEMSBA?

  • You'll gain major skills in making music
  • You'll make new friends that will last a lifetime
  • You'll receive a snazzy SEMSBA sticker with the year on it to put on your instrument case, folder, locker, etc.
  • You'll give yourself an  experience you will never forget
  • You'll make  your town, school, family, and yourself proud by participating in an excellent ensemble

Will I get to hear the concert?

​The concert is professionally recorded, and available for download for everyone’s favorite price … FREE … at the SEMSBA website.

What do I wear at the concert?

​The official outfit is concert black. Black on top, black pants or ankle-length skirt or dress, black shoes. Your ensemble manager will tell you more!

What are some tips for a great audition?

Here are a few tips:
  • Instrumentalists should start memorizing scales as soon as possible. Now is a good time! Practice slowly, accurately, carefully, effectively, and gradually speed up the tempo until you are confident. You may want to start on the chromatic scale, then work your way backwards. Ask your teacher for advice. They’ve auditioned for things before and will have plenty of it for you.
  • Singers should start working with the recordings as soon as possible. Work on opening up, enunciating, and anything else your teacher suggests
  • As you prepare your solo piece, be sure to go beyond just the notes and rhythms. Work on everything above and below the staff as well, such as articulations, dynamics, breathing, etc.
  • Keep your music muscles strong. You don’t want to be tired by the end of your audition, so practice **effectively** every day to keep your head, embouchure, breathing, etc. in the game
  • Imagine yourself auditioning in your mind, including getting on the bus to go, arriving at the school, going to the warm-up room to put your case and coat down, warming up amongst fellow students, walking to the audition room, waiting in line to get in, greeting the friendly judge, playing the scales the judge asks for (be sure all are prepared), playing the selection from your solo piece, playing the sight-reading piece, walking out, putting everything away, getting back on the bus, and heading back to school to then go home. 
  • Here is a link to a website that has some great tips.
  • There may be some distractions: unfamiliar school, noisy warm-up room, friends (old and new), snacks, etc. Stay focused , and be sure to socialize after your audition.
  • Eat a healthy, light breakfast to energize you.
  • Bring and drink water.
  • Get enough sleep, especially the night before.

Sight-Reading

  • You can get better at it by sight-reading music every day. There are lots of sight-reading books to choose from, and free online software like Sight Reading Factory that will help you improve step-by-step.
  • Why sight read? It makes you a better musician in the long run. Keep in mind that sight reading is like regular reading when you were younger. The more you do it, the better you get at it, and the more you enjoy it! Play through any mistakes and keep going. ​

SEMSBA Logo Contest

Congratulations to Daniel Kraus from Hull High School on his winning design for the new SEMSBA logo! Dan's design will be used on all things SEMSBA, from the website, to stationary, concert programs, etc. Daniel will also receive a lesson scholarship as a result of his winning entry. Well done, Daniel!

Lesson Scholarships

  • Did you know that anyone who auditions for SEMSBA can apply for a lesson scholarship? If you think private lessons would help you, why not apply? It can’t hurt, and you may get some money to help you improve your skills. 
  • Up to 10 lesson scholarships for $250 each will be awarded, 5 in the fall and 5 more in the spring. The fall due date is at the start of November, and the spring due date is at auditions in February.
  • Apply here

College Scholarships

  • Are you going to major in music in college? Senior SEMSBA participants may apply for a $1000 scholarship to put towards their tuition.
  • Apply here

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


How will I get there and back? 
SEMSBA rules state that you must arrive and leave with your school and a chaperone, who is usually a music teacher in your school system.

​What time is my audition?
Your director at school will have that information for you. Be sure to ask!

Where do I get the music?
Talk to your director at school. They will be able to get your audition and festival music to you.

What should I wear to the audition?
Remember that you are representing yourself, your school music program, your school, and your town. Consider dressing comfortable-nice. Something you can easily breathe in is most important, though.

What if I get hungry?
There will be snacks sold at both auditions and festivals. 

Will there be lunch?
Your lunch for both days is provided at the festival only.

Have suggestions to make this page better for you or others? Send suggestions to: [email protected]
Where are auditions?
This changes from year to year. If you’re lucky, it’ll be at your own school!
You can also check the SEMSBA website for audition information here
​
Where is the festival?
Information for both festivals can be found here.