From the Wisconsin School usic Association Website:
Through the Solo & Ensemble experience, students learn the discipline of rehearsal, are challenged to advance their musical skills, perform in front of an audience and adjudicator, and receive feedback on their performance. Those that perform at the highest level (Class A) at a WSMA District Festival have the opportunity to receive a 1* (one-star) rating which advances them on to State Solo & Ensemble Festival.
Improve students’ music performance;
Increase students’ understanding of music literature and music concepts;
Motivate students to continue their study of music;
Establish standards of excellence in music performance;
Provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship of music experiences to other life experiences.
District festivals are held at local schools and scheduled by the district festival manager. Adjudicators are selected by WSMA.
For students in grades: 6-12
Timeline: Usually the first Saturday in March for AASD Band Students
For students that receive a “starred first” rating (*1) at the Class A level at a district festival. State festivals are held at a total of 11 University/College campuses around Wisconsin. Scheduling and adjudicator selection is done by WSMA.
Timeline: Usually the first Saturday of May
Music Selection – Students and their teachers choose a musical selection from the WSMA Festival Music List to study. The list is divided into three difficulty levels, called ‘classes.’
Class C – Entry level. For students in their first/second years of study
Class B – Experienced level. For students in their second/third/fourth years of study
Class A – Advanced level.
*Teachers will choose the appropriate level for their student.
Rehearsal – Students learn about and rehearse their chosen selection.
Registration – Solo & Ensemble registration is completed online by your student's band teacher.
At Festival –
The student reports to the performance room at the assigned time.
The student introduces him/herself and music selection, then performs.
The adjudicator will provide a written and verbal critique of the performance and award a rating based on defined criteria. (Rating 1 = highest, rating 5 = lowest)