The Yellow Board

FlexBand at UIL C&SR

Posted by Poor Instrumentation on 12/15/2020, 12:19 pm

Needless to say, my in-person instrumentation is pretty poor, and the kids who are virtual have not volunteered to perform at any of our in-person performances so far.

We have been told UIL is a expectation.

Would it be permissible to perform the flex band version of a piece that is on the PML?

I would hope judges would be understanding of the situation...

Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR

Posted by WTBD on 12/16/2020, 12:16 pm, in reply to "FlexBand at UIL C&SR"

Me personally... (that and $1.50 might buy a coke)...I think UIL needs to again reevaluate and try this

1 UIL PML piece from a grade lower
1 published piece of your choice
1 March

That might help many - Me, I staying with normal UIL selection standards & Praying I don't have the wrong kids out

Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR

Posted by Same Situation on 12/16/2020, 8:20 am, in reply to "FlexBand at UIL C&SR"

I'm in the same situation as the individual who posted this. I however would not like to forfeit UIL because we have a string on Sweepstakes that it would hurt a lot of my kids to break. I also know a lot of current composers have been writing flex band arrangements of their pieces for programs like ours. Therefore, instead of trying to talk us out of going to UIL, can you please answer the question of would it be permissible to perform the flex band version at UIL?

Thanks!

Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR

Posted by DesertJazz on 12/15/2020, 2:42 pm, in reply to "FlexBand at UIL C&SR"

I asked my Region Secretary about this because I'm seeing some great things from people like Frank Ticheli and John Mackey for this. The wording of the PML is any 'unabridged' version. He told me that this would not be allowable because it has been modified too much. He mentioned you might be able to request for it as a piece not on the UIL list to be approved.

I personally think this should be allowed this year... but after he walked me through everything I can see where that is coming from.

Really though this is something if you're really considering take the time to pickup the phone and call the state office. (Once they get back from contest of course!)

Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR

Posted by curious on 12/16/2020, 12:45 pm, in reply to "Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR"

Can you elaborate on "where that is coming from?"
I am genuinely curious.

Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR

Posted by DesertJazz on 12/17/2020, 7:19 am, in reply to "Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR"

I'll try here...

It basically came down to the PML committee approved the piece as it was written. Having certain instruments responsible for solos, etc. One of my questions was how is this any different from just rewriting an oboe solo for a trumpet or something? His explanation was that it had a bigger impact to the character of the piece. I didn't fully agree with the conversation, but he explained it well enough that I could sort of understand. It just modifies things way too much to be the same work that was approved. I guess think of it as you can't just take a trumpet quartet on the list and have your clarinets perform it without having it approved and added?

Again this is something if you're really curious about I recommend calling the state for a ruling. I would love to see this change just because of some works that have been added to those series that as a small school I will never have the instrumentation for otherwise.

Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR

Posted by Curious on 12/18/2020, 11:39 am, in reply to "Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR"

Interesting. I feel like that is is a valid concern, but not enough to necessitate excluding flex for the year. Oh well. Thanks for sharing.

Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR

Posted by MS Director on 12/15/2020, 2:35 pm, in reply to "FlexBand at UIL C&SR"

If you don't mind me asking, how bad is your instrumentation? Maybe you could get by by rearranging some parts to make some sections feel fuller. Unfortunately, it is what it is and if UIL is the expectation, do what you can to make it work. The music is already lowered a level so that should help.

Teach your butt off and good luck!

Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR

Posted by Not OP MSBD on 12/16/2020, 11:09 pm, in reply to "Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR"

These are my numbers of virtual students who regularly turn in assignments and come to class.

1 fl
1 ob
1 alto sax
3 trumpets
1 baritone
1 tuba
2 percussion

I am expected to go to UIL. Things cannot be rearranged to be fuller. Basically 1 per part with 3 parts missing. Don’t be so quick to say “make it work” and “it is what it is” when you don’t know other peoples situations.

Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR

Posted by MS Director on 12/17/2020, 8:07 am, in reply to "Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR"

uhh yeah, thats why I asked for your numbers. Now that I am informed I can definitely suggest that you can't really rearrange anything.

Regardless of who or how many you teach, you should always try to make it work.

Sorry for your situation and hope it works out.

Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR

Posted by MS on 12/15/2020, 2:25 pm, in reply to "FlexBand at UIL C&SR"

I know we can't name districts. But curious if the expectation is from principal or FAD. If from FAD, do they actually have firing power? What would happen if you didn't go?

Is going to UIL when you know the kids aren't going to be successful really about the kids? What does the person making you go gain from this?

Going to UIL and possibly getting a 4 or 5 does not look good on the district or the FAD. Also makes it harder to attract band directors to those schools.

So who is it benefiting from you going? I would continue to argue your case. UIL isn't STAAR.

Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR

Posted by Me on 12/15/2020, 4:37 pm, in reply to "Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR"

In my district, participation at UIL is tied to our stipend. You don't go, they can reclaim it.

Now, *would* they this year? Probably not. But is that a fight you want to have?

Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR

Posted by Yeah on 12/15/2020, 3:01 pm, in reply to "Re: FlexBand at UIL C&SR"

It’s both. Principal and FAD say we should be going to UIL. Otherwise we’re “not providing adequate performance opportunities for our performance groups.”

They don’t see the difference between HS OUTDOOR marching band and an indoor contest.

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