YOUNG BAND REPERTOIRE PROJECT



Texas and Band Contests
Introduction:
In Texas, an organization called the University Interscholastic League (UIL) is responsible for overseeing competitions among pubic schools. This includes music, drama, languages, athletics, etc. UIL also creates and maintains extensive rules and regulations for all of its activities. You can learn more about the UIL at their homepage.
NOTE: THE PML IS NOW (2011) AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY FROM THE UIL WEB SITE

The PML:
Every four years, the Music area of UIL publishes a list of compositions authorized for use in UIL-sanctioned events; this list is referred to as the PML (Prescribed Music List). It includes works from the wind, string, and vocal genres and classifies them according to difficulty level and media (ensemble or solo). The music for band is divided into 5 grades, "Grade 1" being the most simple (for young bands or small schools) and "Grade 5" being the most challenging (large high school bands).

Band Contest Requirements:
Public school bands that participate in the annual, state-wide UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest (held each spring) must select two works from the PML as well as a third selection (not required to come from the PML), most frequently a march.

School Conference Designation:
In general, schools across the state are categorized into "conferences" which are determined mostly by school enrollment population. The first (or only) band at a school is designated as a "Varsity" band; second and subsequent bands at the same school are classified as "Non-Varsity." These two criteria (conference and classification) determine which level of graded music a band must select for performance at contest.

Music Selection:
Middle school bands select from the Grade 1 and Grade 2 levels. According to the band's conference, the requirements are: (a) two "Grade 1" pieces, (b) one "Grade 1" and one "Grade 2" work, or (c) two "Grade 2" pieces. Bands are allowed to choose music from higher grade levels should they desire to do so.

 

This information is simplified for the convenience of the reader.
For greater specifics, please refer to the appropriate UIL rules and regulations.