Embedded Files
Information can be found here for festivals, fundraisers, trips, and more!
FUNDRAISERS
Fundraising typically occurs in the fall. Profits from student fundraisers can be used toward music department fees (festivals, meals, apparel, trips, etc.). Please see your program handbook for more information.
TRIPS
The music department will be taking a trip to NYC on February 28, 2024! This trip will include workshops for choral, instrumental, and theater students as well as a choice of the following musicals: Gypsy, The Outsiders, and Hadestown. Information will be available through each ensemble's Google Classroom.
FESTIVALS
Concert festivals present students with wonderful opportunities if they choose to participate. Each of the music festivals that Simsbury participates in allow students to meet students from other schools, learn additional repertoire, work with a renowned conductor, and perform higher level concerts. Festivals may occur during the school day, in the evenings, or on the weekends. Some festivals are only one day while others may span several days. Students must be enrolled in their respective music class in order to participate.
Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA)
Northern Region Auditions
Date: October 28, 2023
Location: Avon High School
Requirements: Scales, sight-reading, etude/solo, improvisation (jazz only)
Requirements are posted in the music hallway, Classroom, and https://cmea.org/hs-audition-repertoire/
Approximate Fee: $20
Northern Region Festival (Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Jazz Band)
Date: January 12-13, 2024 (snow dates 1/19-1/20)
Location: New Britain High School
Requirements: Rehearsals Friday evening and Saturday, Concert Saturday afternoon
Approximate Fee: $30
All-State Auditions
Date: February 3, 2024 (snow date 2/10)
Location: North Haven High School
Requirements: Scales, sight-reading, solo, improvisation (jazz only)
Requirements are posted in the music hallway, the band website, and www.cmea.org.
Approximate Fee: $25
All-State Festival
Date: April 4-6, 2024
Location: Connecticut Convention Center
Requirements: Rehearsals occur all day on Thursday and Friday, with a Saturday morning rehearsal and a concert Saturday afternoon. Students are required to stay in the hotel for the duration of the festival.
Approximate Fee: $325+
Eastern Division NAfME: The National Association for Music Education
This festival occurs every other year and is the next level up from All-State. The festival is similar in structure with the students rehearsing over a three-day period and staying in a hotel. Eastern Division festivals occur in the spring of each odd-numbered year. Scores from the preceding year’s All-State auditions are used to select the groups from states along the east coast. For example, the February 2024 All-State audition scores were used to determine the groups for the April 2025 festival.]
American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Eastern Division Conference
This festival occurs every other year for advanced choral students. The festival is a similar structure with students rehearsing over a three-day period and staying in a hotel. ACDA’s festival occurs in the spring of each even numbered year (alternating with national conferences on the odd numbered years).
American School Band Director Association (ASBDA) Festival
Date: November 13, 2023 (snow date 11/15)
Location: Maloney High School
Requirements:
Acceptance into either the concert band or wind ensemble is determined by director nomination. Students should express their interest to Mrs. Abel in writing. Rehearsals run throughout the day with a concert in the evening.
Approximate Fee: $40
New England Music Festival (NEMFA)
Solo/Ensemble Festival Procedures
All music for adjudication must be selected from the current adjudication lists published by the Association which is available at www.nemfa.org. In addition to solos the Association allows trios, quartets and quintets of mixed instrumentation (duets are not currently allowed). Only solo performances will be considered for festival acceptance.
Performance Adjudications
Each adjudication shall be of ten minutes duration and consist of a complete, uninterrupted performance of music of the student's choice. Piano accompaniment for music so published is optional, but preferred. All students are expected to observe the following dress code. Girls: Dresses, blouses (no bare midriffs) and skirts, dress slacks, or school uniforms. No jeans. Boys: Dress slacks with shirt and tie, suits, jacket/sport coat with shirt and tie or turtleneck, or school uniform. No jeans. Athletic shoes are not acceptable. Adjudication performances may be attended by any interested persons.
Solo & Ensemble (Audition)
Date: December 9, 2023
Location: Griswold High School
Approximate Fee: $20
Festival
Date: March 21-23, 2024
Location: TBD
Approximate Fee: $150
SIMSBURY FRIENDS FOR MUSIC:
Friends For Music is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of students by funding music and performing arts opportunities that go beyond the Board of Education’s budget. We believe the arts play an important role in Simsbury schools, and most importantly in the growth, development and character of children. Friends For Music would love to hear your ideas as we grow and enhance our reach in Simsbury schools. Bring a friend and join us at our meetings!
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