On Saturday, May 12, 2012, the Rhode Island Music Educators Association will sponsor its annual Solo & Ensemble Festival, a significant educational event in which your child has expressed interest.  For this festival, students prepare either a solo piece or small ensemble piece for adjudication.  The piece to be performed will be chosen with my guidance unless your child has a private instructor with whom they will prepare for the festival.  Judges who are professional performers and/or teachers will critique and grade student performances using an approved rubric. If the grade received is a “B” or higher, the student(s) will receive a special state-level medal, which may be worn on their concert uniform.  This event also qualifies as a portfolio assignment toward the demonstration of arts proficiency, which is required for high school graduation in Rhode Island.  The cost of participation is $15 per solo event and $30 per ensemble event (cost divided by number of students in the ensemble), and is payable by check to Martin Middle School Bands.

 

The absolute deadline for payment is Feb 1, 2012.

 

            This is an excellent festival which has been very motivational for our students. Last year the MMS Band Program sent 35 students who participated in 47 events!!! AND each student earned a medal for each event they participated in!!! You should be very proud of your child, as I am, for undertaking this musical endeavor.

 

                                                                                         Sincerely,

 

 

                                                                                         Susana Pimentel,

 P.S.  All registered students will receive a letter with final festival information prior to the festival.