A Band Festival

One of the most important events of the year is the student band’s performance at the District Band Festival. When the group performs, three judges make comments on a piece of paper or on a tape recording. They take five things into consideration, such as tone, technique and stage presence. After the prepared performance, the band heads to another room for sight-reading1. Given seven minutes, the band sings through and then performs two new pieces for the first time to display their musical ability. The sight-reading judge then speaks to them about what they did well and how they can improve. The judges at the festival give letter grades to the band and base their decision on their overall musical performance. These grades use the following letters: "I"=excellent, "II"=good, "III"=fair, and "IV" and "V" being not at the standard. When choosing pieces for the band to perform, each member should carry his / her share of responsibility. Practicing after school is also expected. Attendance2 at these events is very important, because any difference from what has been rehearsed3 requires changing the balance of the whole group, and judges can only grade based on what they hear. The festival experience is always educational. It gives students a chance to perform challenging music and receive suggestions on what is going well and what can be better. All parents are heartily encouraged to attend and support their sons and daughters in this event!

Notes:

1. sight-reading n.事先无准备的演奏

2. attendance /E5tendEns/ n.到场,参加

3. rehearse v.排练,排演

1. Which of the following statements about judges at the festival is mentioned in the passage?

A. Judges at the festival choose all the pieces of music for the band.

B. Judges judge a band on tone, technique and five other things.

C. Judges consider the group members’ stage presence while judging.

D. Judges at the festival make unwritten comments on the group performance.

2. In the sight-reading of the concert, students ____________.

A. choose whether to perform sight-reading or not

B. only have a little time to get ready

C. perform a new piece for the first time

D. know what grade they get by asking the judge

3. Based on the rules of the band group, _____________.

A. each member of the group has a share of responsibility

B. students are expected to practice at home

C. students can attend the band performance at any time

D. students’ parents must join in the band festival

参考答案：

1-3 C B A