Solo and Ensemble

The 2021 Solo/Ensemble Festival is hosted in Wautoma!

This opportunity is for 7th and 8th graders. All students need to participate in either a solo, duet, or large ensemble.

How does it work?

Students prepare by working on their musical selection at home, during their lesson from Mrs. Stevens, and with limited practice time during band (practice room sign-ups). Students who choose to work on duets must choose their partner wisely--you are a team and must work together. Students must perform for Mrs. Stevens three weeks prior to contest festival. If the student is not prepared, they will need to refund the school their entry fee. If the student is prepared, they will perform at contest for the judges.

What happens when I get judged?

The judges use rubrics to grade things that go well and things that can be improved. Rubrics can be viewed below, and we will go over them in class.

What do we play?

All performers need to play from the WSMA list which is viewed here. Mrs. Stevens helps select the piece you will perform based on what ensembles you've decided to be in.

What groups can I be in?

  • A solo on your instrument

  • Same instrument duets (Saxophone/Saxophone etc,)

  • Same instrument family duets (Trombone/Baritone, Flute/Clarinet)

  • Flute Choir, Clarinet Choir (clarinet family), Trumpet Choir, Sax Choir (sax family), Woodwind Ensemble (any woodwind), Brass Ensemble (any brass), Percussion Ensemble

How do I get there/get home?

All students are required to take the bus to Solo and Ensemble, but parents may pick you up (as long as they signed the form explaining they would do so). You must check in with a Parkside music teacher before you leave so we know you left with your parent. We will also have buses coming home, but not until all performances are finished.

How many ensembles may I participate in?

Students should not participate in more than 5 solos/ensembles (choir and band combined). This is for your own success, as it takes a lot of preparation for each event.

Expectations

    • You must be as prepared as you can. The judges know who has put in the work and who hasn't.

    • Circle spots you have questions, mark notes into your music so you do not forget!

    • USE YOUR PENCIL!! Mark in things you missed in the key signature, articulation reminders, BE EXPRESSIVE!

    • Dress nicely, you want to make a good impression.

    • Be polite to your judge, they are there to help you develop your musical skills.

Introducing your Piece

  • Hello my name is _________ and I am a _____ grader at Parkside Middle School in Wautoma.

and pick one of the following statements to follow your personal introduction:

    1. Something I worked really hard on in this piece is.... (something musical that you worked really hard on).

    2. An interesting fact about this piece is....

    3. Something you should listen for in this piece is.... (how the instrument colors blend together and give this piece it's organ-like sound)

See the archive of previous events, scores, and who attended etc here.

Unit

http://mycenter.wsmamusic.org/index.php?norewind&module=express&cmd=kbviewpost&id=9