All students who are a part of the Cresskill High School Concert Bands (Grades 7-12) are eligible to audition for the Bergen County Band.  There is a band for 7-8 grade and a band for 9-12 grade.  They each have different audition requirements, directors, audition dates and rehearsal times.   Come to this page for the most updated information and links to the MEBCI website. (Music Educators of Bergen County Inc.  Other information can be found at WWW.MEBCI.ORG

The Bergen County Middle and High School Band auditions take place in early October (Grade 7-8) and late November (Grades 9-12). Sponsored by the Music Educators of Bergen County, Inc. (MEBCI), this audition-only group is a wonderful opportunity for strong instrumentalists who are interested in a more rigorous and challenging band experience, while performing with other talented students from over 30 sponsoring schools in Bergen County. The inexperienced or struggling musician may find the band audition difficult to master.  This audition is designed for students who are near the top of their sections here in Cresskill.

Please be sure to take into consideration the time commitment when deciding whether or not a student should audition - 3-5 rehearsals will take place in preparation for the concert.  These rehearsals could take place after school, during school and/or on the weekend of the concert. The performance take place on a Sunday afternoon/early evening.  (Schedule is listed in the Band Student Instructions). Inclement weather rehearsal and performance dates are also included in the schedule, and must be kept clear, as well. Due to the limited, rigorous rehearsal schedule, NO ABSENCES for any reason are allowed.

PLEASE NOTE: Student audition forms and audition fees ($10.00 checks made payable to CRESSKILL MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC) are due for submission no later than the dates listed HERE. (These dates are earlier than the deadline listed by the sponsoring organization because sponsoring teachers need to process paperwork, request school checks, and mail all information certified mail.) No late applications will be accepted.

Students who plan to audition will need to schedule a time to perform your audition materials for either Mr. Verderese or Mrs. Ofshinsky.  At that point, we will make a final determination as to whether or not you are prepared for the audition.  We will contact you in regards to the schedule for this "pre-screening" audition.

With sometimes up to 300 students auditioning, students could be involved in the audition process (warmups, waiting in line, and auditioning) anywhere between 15 minutes to 4 hours.

Parents are not to contact MEBCI personnel - please direct any questions, complaints, or concerns to Mr. Verderese or Mrs. Ofshinsky.

Unfortunately, there is no audition for string players in the Bergen County Band.  Please see the "Region Orchestra" page for information.

CLICK HERE FOR AUDITION INFORMATION AND FORMS FOR COUNTY BAND.   To type in the website manually, you can go to www.mebic.org.

• CLICK HERE for all of this year’s info from Mr. Verderese including deadlines, links and other info
• Application Deadlines:  NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.  Please understand that you must abide by the registration deadlines given by Mr. Verderese/Mrs. Ofshinsky.  The published deadlines by the County may be different as we need time to prepare and send the paperwork you bring to us.

HIGH SCHOOL BAND (9-12) GENERAL TIMELINE:

• APPLICATION: Usually in mid-late October
• AUDITION: Usually in late November

MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND (7-8) GENERAL TIMELINE:

• APPLICATION: Usually in mid-late September
• AUDITION: Usually in early-mid October

Signature forms and audition fees are due to Mr. Verderese/Mrs. Ofshinsky before 3:15pm on the date provided in the above document.  NO LATE FORMS/FEES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. This means you must fill out the online application form prior to this date, have it signed and submitted by our deadline.  Checks should be made out to "CHS Instrumental Music."  PLEASE DO NOT MAKE CHECKS OUT TO MEBCI.