The Mansfield Wind Symphony vision is to be a professional-level performance organization. While we often function in the capacity of "community band," that is not our primary function nor our driving vision. There are a number of organizations in the immediate area that stress fun and fellowship in a band setting. The Mansfield Wind Symphony is committed first and foremost to performing the highest quality literature at a professional level.

Make no mistake: we do have fun! The MWS is populated with wonderfully warm, friendly people. However, our entire purpose for devoting Tuesday evenings to music is so that we can achieve the highest levels of musical refinement on a variety of styles of true wind literature. Players who have an interest in joining the MWS should understand that attendance at every rehearsal is mandatory (excused absences are covered elsewhere on the website), and that part preparation before rehearsals (in tune and in time) is expected.

A musician wishing to join an MWS section which is below optimal instrumentation and for which there is no waiting list shall be permitted to audition for a panel consisting of the music director, the section leader and one or more section leaders or board members chosen by the music director. The audition will be held at a mutually agreed upon time and place and consist of:

• Two contrasting etudes of advanced level difficulty (Texas All-State etude level or higher), lasting from 2-3 minutes each
• All major and minor scales Scale examples...
• Full range chromatic, tongued-up and slurred down
• Sightreading

Assessment will be based on Tone, Intonation, Technique, Accuracy, Rhythmic Precision, Articulation, Style, Fluency, Musicianship and professional demeanor. Musicians who pass the audition will earn full membership in the Mansfield Wind Symphony and assume all responsibilities thereof.

Those who cannot pass the audition or cannot commit to MWS membership responsibilities, for whatever reason, will not be permitted membership in the MWS.

The Mansfield Wind Symphony vision is to be a professional-level performance organization. The audition requirements will evidence a basic performance competency or lack thereof. Please be prepared if you wish to be a member of the MWS.

If a section is at or above optimal instrumentation, no new member shall be permitted to join that section unless authorized by the music director. No current member shall be required to leave that section.

• 1 oboe
• 2 bassoons (we need a total of 4)
• 3 Bb clarinets (we need 12 total)
• 2 bass clarinets (and/or contra)
• 2 french horns (we need 8 total)

While it is our goal to someday be in a position to actually pay our players, that is not possible at present. In fact, we have to rely on membership dues, concert ticket sales, and donations. Currently our dues are $70.00 a year, payable in installments of $35.00 per semester. Another smaller financial consideration is the purchase of an MWS t-shirt which is part of our "uniform" for casual concerts.

When a vacancy in a section which is below optimal instrumentation occurs, cards of all individuals on the waiting list will be given to the section leader by the secretary. The section leader and the music director discuss the potential new members and issue audition invitations based on musical benefit to the MWS and other skills or contacts the individual may have which would be beneficial to the organization.

When a musician has been selected for admission, the president (or designated membership officer) will have a personal conversation with the new member(s) explaining the philosophy, working methods, commitment, and expectations of MWS members. This conversation will stress that MWS is to be a professional-level group in which all members have responsibility for some non-musical activities such as transportation, racking chairs and stands, and being "good citizens" of the Band. This conversation will take place no later than one week after an invitation to join is accepted.

Membership in MWS is based on musical benefit to the Band and other skills or contacts the individual may have which would be beneficial to the organization. MWS will not base selection criteria on race, age, sex, religion, creed, or national origin.

The MWS does not actively solicit or recruit high school players but qualified high school players may be accepted at the discretion of the musical director. High School members must be able to demonstrate, through audition and interview, the same level of accomplishment and dedication as adult members and will be held to the same responsibilities as adult members.