Solo & Ensemble Festival

SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL GUIDELINES CLAGUE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Saturday, February 4, 2017

MSBOA, DISTRICT 12

Pioneer High School

GETTING THERE…

1. You must provide your own transportation to Pioneer High School. It is imperative that you have a parking pass for the event, which is attached to these instructions (the parking lot will be in high-demand that day due to the UM game at Chrysler Arena)

2. Dress up appropriately for performing. Do not wear jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers.

3. Clean your instrument, and bring extra strings, valve oil, etc. Your case needs an I.D. tag.

4. Report to your warm-up room 30 minutes before your performance time.

5. It is recommended for you to leave Ann Arbor 1 hour and 15 minutes before your scheduled performance time. This allows 30 minutes to drive across town to Pioneer, 15 minutes to locate your warm-up and performance rooms, and allows for the 30 minutes for the required warm-up room arrival.

6. Follow the rules of the warm-up chairperson. You may leave your coat and case in the warm-up room only while you perform, but do not leave any valuables.

7. IMPORTANT: You must have a full original music score for the adjudicator with every measure numbered or you will be refused the right to play and/or will not receive a rating. Write (in pencil) your name, Clague Middle School, section number, event number and performance time.

WHILE YOU ARE THERE…

1. Please be cooperative and courteous to everyone and respectful of the property of others.
2. The room chairperson is there to help with any issues that may come up. Don’t be shy to ask them for assistance with any conflicts, accompanist issues, or help with your instrument.
3. Parents, family members and guests are permitted and encouraged in the performance room.
4. As you enter the performance room, give the chairperson your numbered adjudicator’s score.
5. You have 7 minutes to tune and play.
6. Set up your chairs so you are facing the adjudicator.
7. Wait for the performance room chairperson to announce your piece before you start playing.
8. After the performance, acknowledge applause appreciatively and graciously no matter how you feel you performed. Smile and thank the adjudicator for her/his comments.
9. After leaving the performance room, return to the warm-up room to pack up and gather your belongings.
10. Go back to the performance room and wait for the chairperson to post your rating, return your score, and issue your medal ticket.
11. Ratings of a “1” or a “2” receive a blue or red medal and are distributed at the High School.
12. Your comment sheet from the adjudicator will be delivered to you back at school.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY: OCTOBER 27, 2016, by 3:00 PM

Solo and Ensemble Festival is an annual event sponsored by the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA). It is an opportunity to perform music for an experienced teacher who will provide written/verbal comments, suggestions for improvement, and an overall rating (I-V). Students earning a “I” or “II” rating also receive medals for their excellent performances. Ensembles (duets, trios, etc.) are popular ways to gain experience at this festival. Participation as a soloist or as a member of an ensemble is strictly voluntary, but strongly encouraged.

Students may receive additional help during school. The commitment to prepare for this event is the responsibility of each participant. When necessary, we will assist in the selection of music. Private lesson teachers are excellent resources for selecting a solo or ensemble piece. Students performing solos or ensembles with piano accompaniment need to secure an accompanist NOW! Accompanist fees typically range from $50 - $80.

Transportation to Pioneer High School is the responsibility of the parent. Performance times, maps and final instructions will be distributed one week before Solo and Ensemble Festival.

To enter Solo and Ensemble Festival, students will need to complete an entry form (attached), and return it to school no later than Thursday, October 27, along with cash in the exact amount. Indicate an early, middle, or late performance time.Requested times are usually honored, and once assigned are very difficult to change.

RULES

1. You may enter one, two or three events, but only one solo per instrument
2. All pieces must be a minimum 1 minute 30 seconds- Maximum length is 6 minutes
3. Only band and orchestra instruments (and piano) are allowed.
4. Events requiring more than one piano or electric instruments are not allowed.
5. All parts (as written in the score) of an ensemble must be performed and must have the correct number of players with one to a part. (i.e. a trio must have 3 players, not 2 or 4)
6. If your piece has a written accompaniment, it must be played with you in order to receive a rating.
7. An original, full, numbered score showing all parts must be provided for the judge. NO RATING will be given if an original numbered score is not provided.
8. Entrance fees are non-refundable.
9. All participants are required to transport any equipment/ instruments needed for the performance.

When you agree to participate in an ensemble or solo you are making a commitment to the group and yourself. CHECK YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY