Fort Zumwalt South Bands

District Solo & Small Ensemble Festival

All Fort Zumwalt South High School band students have the opportunity to pick, prepare, and perform a piece of solo and/or small ensemble repertoire and receive a rating, as well as constructive feedback, from an expert adjudicator. Ratings are divided into three categories: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Music should be practiced/rehearsed outside of school, though, some class time will be given. This event takes place at the end of March. See Mr. Ahlemeyer for more information.

All-State Solo & Small Ensemble Festival

Any Fort Zumwalt South High School band student or ensemble of students who receive a "Gold" rating at the District Solo & Small Ensemble Festival are eligible to participate in the All-State Solo & Small Ensemble Festival at MIZZOU at the end of April. Students will again prepare and perform the same piece of music and receive a rating, as well as constructive feedback, from an expert adjudicator. A "Gold" rating at the State Festival is the ultimate achievement for a soloist or small ensemble.

Choosing Music

The Fort Zumwalt South Band Program has an extensive library of solo and small ensemble pieces that students can choose from and borrow. Students may also purchase a piece on their own or go on the suggestion of a private lesson instructor as far as what piece to play. The piece chosen, though, must be on the MSHSAA Prescribed Music List (PML), which can be viewed below.