WHAT IS NYSSMA?

The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) is the New York affiliate of National Association for Music Education. NYSSMA is a professional organization that evaluates student musicians in New York state from elementary school to high school. Each spring, thousands of students register through their school music programs to attend NYSSMA Evaluation Festivals where they are adjudicated. These festivals take place at local middle and high schools, as well as state colleges and state universities within the fifteen NYSSMA zones, each of which covers an area in New York State. Usually, county high schools take turns to host the festival every few years.

At each festival, students perform scales, a solo or ensemble piece of their choice from the designated NYSSMA repertoire, and a sight reading piece. The judges score and comment on the students' performances according to defined guidelines set by NYSSMA. The grade sheets are then certified and sent to the music departments at the individual schools to be distributed to the students.

MAY 3rd, Mexico Middle School

Students should arrive at Mexico Middle School at least 20 minutes prior to their scheduled time so that they can get out their instrument, warm-up and find their room. They will not be allowed to use any photocopies of the music when they play for the judge. You should have received a letter home regarding ordering solos. Students will also need a playing permit. I will hand these out in lessons the week of NYSSMA.

Upon entering the school there is a check in desk. You can skip this desk as I will have already checked all of the students in. I will be at the festival in the warm-up area which is usually in the gymnasium. YOU NEED TO FIND ME WHEN YOU ARRIVE IF YOU DIDN’T RIDE THE BUS since I will have your judge’s sheet and you cannot perform without it. You will be performing for about 10 minutes for the judge. After you are done performing, drop off any borrowed music with me as other students may need to use it. I will get the score sheets the following week after the festival and share them with the students. Good luck and have fun!!!