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Program Change

Posted by Oops on 3/1/2023, 3:37 pm

Programmed Armory this year for UIL. Thought we could do it, but it's not looking so great. UIL is about a month out. Take out a week for Spring Break.

Would you change rep at this point in the game or try to power through?

Re: Program Change

Posted by Stoopid Trumpet Player on 3/2/2023, 11:51 am, in reply to "Program Change"

I did it last year with about the same amount of time left. Found a better fit for the group and they earned their first division. Go for it!

Re: Program Change

Posted by me on 3/2/2023, 10:27 am, in reply to "Program Change"

I've done it and gotten my band a sweepstakes by doing it. I should have done it last year. If there is a bale out plan in place that will benefit your kids, do it. There are tunes that fit bands perfectly out there that groups can learn very quickly, especially at that level. Consult with a very wise older director and get guidance on some of the tunes that are winners. Best of luck. I hate it for you and your kids that you're at this point but it's possible to save it.

Re: Program Change

Posted by Chris P. Bacon on 3/2/2023, 3:47 am, in reply to "Program Change"

Hi friend,

I've definitely been in your shoes before where you have that scary gut feeling you've picked the wrong song. You can definitely change the song if you want, and with a month out (maybe 3 weeks before spring break), you might be able to read an easier song that best fits your group.

You are the only one who knows the skill level of your kids. If you think switching songs would be the best chance for them to get a 1, then go ahead. Or, if hashing it out with the possibility of getting a 2, that would be your call call.

Best skill!

Re: Program Change

Posted by DesertJazz on 3/1/2023, 5:49 pm, in reply to "Program Change"

Your gut instinct is probably correct in my experience. Pull out Dorian Chant and you can get that ready by then.

Best wishes!

Re: Program Change

Posted by BorderBD on 3/1/2023, 5:01 pm, in reply to "Program Change"

Officially, you can change a selection up to 7 days before the contest date if you notify the event chair IN WRITING.

SHOULD you do it is a different question.
I changed a song 2 weeks before UIL one year. I can't remember what song just wasn't clicking with my band, but Two British Folk Songs was a perfect fit, and we were ready in time for UIL.

I would suggest go ahead a read a new song or two, and see which one resonates with your band. If they latch on better to a new tune than the original one you submitted, keep the new song and send in the letter. If not, power through. They might surprise you.

Either way, best wishes.

Re: Program Change

Posted by Obi Ron Kenobi on 3/1/2023, 4:58 pm, in reply to "Program Change"

Long answer. Lots of factors.

Is there fallout if you don't get a particular rating? Like, do you lose your job if you don't get 1st Division?

How do the kids feel about it? Would a new song be an easy sell? Would they jump on board?

If you change, I'd sure go with a super easy grade one. And sell it to the kids as "yeah, this is easy but we only have four weeks and one of those is spring break. With this easy music we can surely tackle higher level musicianship."

That's my short version.

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