What does mpa stand for in band

If one is going to participate, it stands to reason that the conductor should strive to make the event as positive and worthwhile as possible. It has been my experience both as a conductor and as an adjudicator that the quality of the MPA experience for both conductor and the performers is greatly influenced by the selection of the music performed. Appropriate music selection will help to make for a more positive outcome for all concerned and lead to a better evaluation rating.

Conductors who do not fully understand this are indirectly and unintentionally inducing their bands needlessly to incur lower ratings at MPA. Points to consider when selecting MPA music : 1. Select literature that plays away from the band's weaknesses but plays towards their strengths. Instrumentation is a prime factor that conductors must consider when selecting repertoire.

Remember to consider the role and demand of the percussion scoring as well as that of the winds. Avoid works that feature prominent solos or exposed passages for instruments that might not be fundamentally strong. It is better to choose a work that features strong players and sections rather than weaker ones, showcase your best assets. Some bands play music that is simply too hard. Too much rehearsal time must be devoted to learning the notes, rhythms, and technical aspects with little or no time available to develop the expressive elements of the music.

When there is excessive rote learning, the real process of music making is compromised. I heard someone remark once that "it is not difficult to play difficult music poorly. Picking something to challenge your band is an honorable endeavor, but they won't be successful if the skills required of them are two, three, or more grade levels above their abilities.

Program one grade level above where they are at your winter concert or there-about, or select something in their comfort zone. The fall and late Spring is the time to develop technical fundamentals along with characteristic sound. The main MPA prep period 8 weeks out is where you refine musical expressions and finesse the technical passages, not the time to try to correct or reteach fundamental pedagogical weaknesses in individuals or sections. Such flaws take months to remedy rather than weeks.

Recognize when to "toss in the towel" if a piece is not making it and have in reserve a back-up selection that is in their comfort zone. FBA allows title changes up to 10 days prior to the start of MPA, but call it no less than 3 weeks maybe sooner if it is obvious that a selection is not going to present well on performance day. Never pick a piece for MPA that contains ranges you have not heard your students consistently perform with a good sound. Assess the range of your students high and low by having them play off a couple of full-range scales at least in two octaves 3 for clarinet.

This will reveal your weak and strong players and sections. If students don't proficiently pass off their scales, it's going to be difficult for them to have the technique and range necessary for demanding repertoire. Avoid music where the technical demand overshadows fundamentals your students are weak on.

If your students can only play their scales in quarter and eighth notes in one or maybe 2 octaves if at all at a moderately slow tempo, you should avoid technical work at a fast tempo such as busy woodwind or brass runs. It is unwise to program a Sousa, King, Fillmore march or other repertoire with a band whose articulation is undefined. Do not pick music that you are unwilling to, or do not have the time to, teach the fundamentals required to perform the piece at a high level.

This is applicable to both the musical and technical aspects. If you or your students don't have the drive and motivation to find the time required to study and practice in and out of rehearsal to refine the ensemble technique of a specific piece, do not program it for MPA.

Minimum purchase is 20 books. High school entries that receive a rating of superior at districts are qualified to apply for State MPA. At this event, students are evaluated by a highly select panel of adjudicators at a state level adjudication. Be sure to refer to the Omnibus for the current year as information may change each year!

General Information For dates and locations in your area, see the FVA calendar or contact your district chairman. Band Supplies. Performance Dress Code. Football Games. Color Guard. What is MPA? Jazz Band. Chamber Music.

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