CLC Band Challenge Policy

While it is in the best interest of the student to perform at the highest level possible for an audition, students will have the ability to challenge another student seated one chair higher in the same section if they are unhappy with their placement.  This procedure is in place to foster musical growth within the band.

Download the Challenge Form

• Challenges can take place only after the formal audition placements have been posted.
• Challenges must be completed in a reasonable time before a performance as decided by Mr. Levin.
• Students can only challenge one chair at a time.
• Students must complete a “challenge form” and submit it to Mr. Levin for approval.
• The challenge form will list 2 scales (with the number of octaves indicated) and 2 excerpts from current band music.
• Upon approval of the challenge form, both students and Mr. Levin will have a brief meeting to set up a mutually agreeable time to complete the challenge.
• All 3 parties will receive a copy of the challenge form that will indicate the date, time, and musical material for the challenge.
• All 3 parties are expected to be present at the indicated challenge time.
• Both students are expected to vigorously prepare to the best of their ability for the challenge.
• If any 1 of the parties has an excused absence from school the day of the challenge (i.e. illness, family emergency), the challenge will be rescheduled at Mr. Levin’s discretion in a manner fair to both students and the band as a whole.
• If any 1 of the parties has an unexcused absence from the challenge (i.e. student does not show up, forgets, etc.), the automatic winner of the challenge will be the student that was present.
• All challenges will be completed in a “blind” manner using numbers “1 and 2” that are randomly chosen by the challenger to create an atmosphere of fairness for both individuals.
• With his back to the students, Mr. Levin will call out the musical material to be heard by one individual and then the other in an alternating method until all materials are completed.
• Mr. Levin will score the challenge while the students are playing.
• At the end of the challenge, Mr. Levin will review his comments with the individuals and then announce the winner of the challenge by the scores for numbers 1 and 2.
• The students will then disclose their numbers to Mr. Levin.
• If the lower student wins the challenge, then the students must switch chairs (and music if necessary) at the next band rehearsal.
• Students can re-challenge after a period of 1 week provided that there is ample time remaining before a performance as decided by Mr. Levin.
• Above all, Mr. Levin has the final say as to the outcome of the challenge and its impact on the band as a whole.