Ensemble Festival Guide

Parent/Family Information

• • Performers and audience members alike should enter and exit AMS through door #29, the east music wing door. 

  • Please bring cash for entrance. We charge a small admission of $2 per adult to help cover the cost of judges for the event.  If you have a 6th grader performing the next evening, you will not be charged twice.

  • Please give close attention to the location of your student's performance - either on the stage or a music studies classroom. 

  • You are allowed to watch as many performances as you like.

  • Please be seated in the performance center at least 10-15 minutes before your student's performance. The hallway can get crowded, and entering early is the best way to ensure you don't miss your student's ensemble. 

Student/Performer Information

Each performance will consist of: 1) Preparation, 2) Introduction, 3) Performance, 4) Verbal feedback

Preparation

• • Arrive 25 minutes before your scheduled time, enter through door 29 on the east side of AMS. 

  • Dress nicely. 

  • Meet with your group in the band room. Have one person check in at your performance center to see if they are running on time. 

  • The band room is for warming up only.  It is not a hang out zone. 

  • Warm up appropriately and tune. Spot check the music (don’t wear yourself out). 

  • Ten minutes before your performance, assemble in the hall outside your performance center and wait silently. 

  • After previous ensemble clears the room, enter and quietly set stands for your group - even height, in a semi-circle.

  • Arrange chairs and stands to fit your group.  Set stands at an even height for all in the group.  Set extra chairs and stands off to the side.

Introduction

Wait until the judge gives the go-ahead, then introduce your group. 

1st performer: "Good evening.  We are the ______ ensemble.  My name is (First and Last name)."

2nd performer: "My name is (First and Last name)."

(repeat for additional performers)

Last performer: "My name is (First and Last name). We will perform (Title) by (composer)." 

Performance

Relax, breathe deeply, listen to each other!

Verbal Feedback

Your judge will take a few minutes to work with you after your performance.  They may ask you to play more or just offer some comments. 

After leaving the performance center, put your instrument away.  You may listen to other performances or go home. 

Your judge will also rate your group: I+ (Highly Superior), I (Excellent), I- (Good), or II (fair)

Sample Ballots (Judges' forms)

Each judge will fill out a ballot (form) for each group.  They will judge your group on the categories listed. 

Click to view the ballot for Brass and Woodwind ensembles. 

Click to view the ballot for Percussion ensembles.