NCBA Proposal 2 of 4

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pittech
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NCBA Proposal 2 of 4

Post by pittech » Sat May 22, 2010 10:21 am

Proposal Title: NCBA to convert the standing percussion division into an actual concert percussion division.
Proposed By: Calvin Carr
Date: 5/21/10
Fiscal Impact: unknown
Impact: changing the rules, regulations and scoring sheets for NCBA’s standing percussion division to reflect that of an actual concert percussion division. Allowance of one non-student conductor to direct the ensemble from inside the competition area. Disallowance of any marching percussion equipment (marching battery instruments).


Proposal:
I propose that the NCBA convert their standing percussion division into an actual concert percussion division. A concert percussion ensemble (regardless of level/skill) would be defined as an ensemble that participates in the activity with emphasis on percussion performance without the presence of drill. Instrumentation must be oriented to the performance of concert percussion. Movement is permitted for equipment changes and for better presentation of musical performance only. No marching battery percussion instruments would be allowed. Splitting the division into different classifications would be addressed in future seasons. One non-student conductor is allowed to direct the ensemble and must be stationed inside the competition area. For the purpose of interpretation, the “competition area” shall be indoors and may be either a gymnasium floor (same for marching classes) or a suitable auditorium stage. Scoring for this division would be as follows:

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Reasoning: There is some belief that the current standing percussion division exists only to cater to units who are either a) unable to find adequate rehearsal areas for movement/drill b) can not afford to pay for staff to teach/write movement/drill or c) looking for a starting point before moving to a division that gives credit for movement/drill. However, there are a number of units that have no desire to ever become a marching and music percussion unit. It is also impossible to compare literature designed for a M&M percussion ensemble to that of a traditional concert percussion ensemble. Expanding the standing division to an actual concert division will give scholastic units with no marching program a chance to showcase their artistic merit in a competitive division designed for the concert percussionist. Current standing percussion unit members would be encouraged to either explore the possibility of becoming a M&M unit in one of the lower divisions or become a traditional concert percussion unit with no marching battery percussion instruments.
Last edited by pittech on Fri Jun 04, 2010 2:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Calvin D. Carr
Director of Music -Pixley Middle School & Pixley Elementary
http://www.pixley.k12.ca.us

brian_aguilar
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Re: NCBA Proposal 2 of 5

Post by brian_aguilar » Tue May 25, 2010 7:23 pm

This very thing has been discussed fairly recently. I know there is a feeling in the circuit that we need a "standing marching percussion class" for groups that are just getting into the winter activity, or that are in a situation where having a marching unit isn't viable for whatever reason.

Perhaps distinguishing between the two, having one standing percussion, and one true concert percussion might be the way to go? Just a thought. It would be nice if a unit could compete in both concert and marching....

pittech
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Re: NCBA Proposal 2 of 5

Post by pittech » Fri Jun 04, 2010 3:05 pm

brian_aguilar wrote:This very thing has been discussed fairly recently. I know there is a feeling in the circuit that we need a "standing marching percussion class" for groups that are just getting into the winter activity, or that are in a situation where having a marching unit isn't viable for whatever reason.

Perhaps distinguishing between the two, having one standing percussion, and one true concert percussion might be the way to go? Just a thought. It would be nice if a unit could compete in both concert and marching....
If a compromise can me made, I’m all for it. It’s all about moving forward and modernizing the circuit! :yeah:
Calvin D. Carr
Director of Music -Pixley Middle School & Pixley Elementary
http://www.pixley.k12.ca.us

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