Solo & Ensemble Assessment

As a member of the Ellen Ochoa MS instrumental music program, your child is eligible to participate in the PGCPS Secondary Solo and Ensemble Assessment. Solo and Ensemble is designed to enhance and showcase your student's talents and hard work. 

Solo and Ensemble is run in compliance with standards set by the Maryland Music Educators' Association (MMEA). Students have the opportunity to prepare and perform a solo or in an ensemble for adjudication. Students receiving a "I" (Superior) rating on their performance qualify to participate in the State Solo and Ensemble Assessment.

Music must be selected from the Maryland Orchestra Directors' Association (MODA) Solo and Ensemble list or the Maryland Band Directors' Association (MBDA) Solo and Ensemble list. Mr. Dignen will help each student or ensemble select their music once they have signed up. 

Solo and Ensemble Assessment
Friday, February 7, 2026

Performances are graded according to aspects of musicianship like intonation, rhythmic accuracy, etc. The categories are graded with A, B, and C grades and then an overall score is determined with Roman numerals. 

I - Superior

II - Excellent

III - Good

IV - Fair

V - Poor

Students who perform a grade 2 or higher piece of music and score a "I" (Superior) at the county level in February are eligible to go to the State S&E Assessment in May. Additionally, students can earn certificates as well as medals to wear on their uniforms. At the State level, the group will perform with the same people. The judging is more critical. Scoring a Superior or an Excellent (II) will earn a medal.