I guess I might not feel as strongly about performance being up to snuff in an auditioned group. But it comes down again to my feeling that everyone who wants to sing or play music ought to be allowed to. I don't like your district's system. DD (6th) just took up an instrument this year...she didn't want to previously, and I feel this was actually the right time for her. I have not had to bug her to practice at all. Band is fun and rewarding, and she is mature enough to have picked up her instrument easily and met with success. She was in chorus (no audition) before, and although she does not sing well and they practiced minimally, I think it prepared her nicely for this step up.

I have to say, as a middle of the road player in a large band, I would just "fake it" when I knew I didn't have a section mastered. wink