Medan Band (Brass Band Jenderal - BBJ) members take two types of music exams.
This is actually a membership examination. Passing this exam gives learners the right to become full members. Membership is highly prized because it gives members the right to participate fully in all band activities - including concerts, tours and any other functions organised for the band by BBJ's supporters. Members are also given a distinctive uniform and badge to wear at no charge to themselves. Since almost all band members come from very poor rural or single parent families, these are important privileges. The band also maintains a philosophy of strict equality of rights. No one gets special treatment because of his age or ability, not even the leaders!
The practical exam involves:
1. Playing several of the technical exercises in the Salvation Army's "Studies for Band Training" (Album 32)
2. Holding a long note in the middle range of their chosen instrument (usually concert F) for 8 beats without wavering in pitch. This is tested with an electronic tuner.
3. Playing their part to tune number 107 in the Salvation Army's band tune book. (This piece is regarded as important because it is often used by BBJ as one of its regular intonation exercises.)
4. Each applicant, together with other learners, also has to play a set piece. This is usually taken from the Salvation Army's American Brass Ensemble series. Level of difficulty is set at grade 2 standard.
The theory exam involves
1. Ability to name all the notes on the treble clef and give the correct figuring or slide position for each.
2. Ability to identify and explain the meaning of the following: time signature, key signature, note names and values (crotchet, minim, quaver, semibreve)
3. Explain the meaning of: pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff, as well as cresc, diminuendo.
4. Understand the meaning of a few basic Italian words such as allegro, adagio, marcato, staccato, legato.
In 2009, for the first time in the band's 20-year history, 25 band members sat for practical examinations set by the London-based Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). They entered the examination under ABRSM's ensemble programme, forming themselves in 5 brass quintets. Three quintets entered at the primary level (about grade 4-5) and two entered at the intermediate level (grades 6-7).
The quintet format was chosen because (1) it was much cheaper than entering individually, and (2) it avoided the many problems associated with fact that the exams were held in English by British-based examiners.
The results were very encouraging. Of the three primary level quintets, two got merit and the third was awarded a pass. The two intermediate level quintets each gained a merit. The examiner's written comments are now being used to identify weakenesses that the entire band will work on.
After the certificates arrived, band members took a special photograph to mark the occasion. Danias Karosekali (bandmaster) is in the centre, together with Major Dalentang (the newly arrived superintendent and corps officer).
Plans are now afoot to enter band members for the ABRSM's theory examinations in 2010.