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The new sight-reading procedure

Posted by Jake on 4/1/2026, 11:35 am

I recently spoke with a fellow retiree who had gone to his grandsons' C/SR Contest. He was taken aback when he witnessed the "Sight-Reading". Since I have been out of the business for quite some time now, I would be interested in the thoughts of those who are presently active in todays' Texas band world. I would especially like the thoughts of those who have experienced the old procedure and the newest rendition. Thanks.

Re: The new sight-reading procedure

Posted by Old Dude on 4/3/2026, 7:35 am, in reply to "The new sight-reading procedure"

I agree with "old head". I retired 8 years ago, but started teaching part time at a small class A. I think the current system is more like we read in our band halls. I for one like it much better than the previous two systems I was under during my thirty plus years.

Re: The new sight-reading procedure

Posted by Old head on 4/2/2026, 3:45 pm, in reply to "The new sight-reading procedure"

The new procedure is much less of a dog and pony show, much closer to what I would do in a real life situation. I prefer it. The old way was silly performative nonsense.

Re: The new sight-reading procedure

Posted by i on 4/2/2026, 2:36 pm, in reply to "The new sight-reading procedure"

I have done both, and I like the new version.

It was really frustrating to watch bands fall apart because little Timmy cratered on his single attempt to play the 8 bar snare drum interlude in the middle of his first ever sightreading evaluation.

I'm sure there is heated debate amongst pedants regarding the 'true' meaning of the word sightreading, but I'm of the opinion that the new procedure is better for kids.

Bands that are well prepared will continue to succeed and bands who are not will continue to struggle.

Re: The new sight-reading procedure

Posted by Hmm on 4/2/2026, 2:01 pm, in reply to "The new sight-reading procedure"

New way is good, still incorporating old techniques. Compositions are easier as well. This year's level 4 changed from Eb to Bb and back to Eb, and several people have thought this is completely out of line and unattainable. In old compositions, you definitely expected at least one key change, one tempo change, and fermatas with rit and sudden caesuras, and you'd even see these in the level 2's. #whataburgerseniorcoffeeclub

You would be more surprised by the updated judging procedures.

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