Student and Parent Resources
Middle School Honors Band and Choir
What is it? A special day to give gifted middle school / junior high students the opportunity to perform with a larger, fuller and more advanced ensemble than those to which the students normally belong.
How are students selected? Students are nominated by directors and approved by conference selection committee.
Who's on the committee? The committee for band consists of all of the conference band directors. The committee for choir consists of all of the conference choir directors.
What do I do if I'm selected? First of all, double check your schedule to make sure you are free on that day. Typically, your director will ask you before you are nominated if you are interested and available on that day. If you are not free on that day, you should tell your director immediately, so that your spot can be taken by someone else. Next, you should practice, practice, practice! You won't have time to learn your music that day. It's important that you come to the event already knowing your part, so directors can spend the day putting parts together and making the ensemble sound great. Remember, those students selected are considered outstanding musicians. You need to show that you belong by coming prepared.
When does it take place? The third Tuesday of January (See Eight-Year Calendar)
Where does it take place? Each conference school takes a turn hosting (See Eight-Year Calendar)
What will we be doing all day? A typical schedule is listed below. Remember that you are there to contribute to the ensemble, so it's important that you pay attention and follow directions to get the most out of the day.
What about lunch? You will need to talk to your director and see what plans are being made for lunch. Some schools choose to bring their own bag lunch, while others chose to purchase lunch from the host school.
How about snacks? Again, talk to your director to see if the host school is providing a concession area. If so, you will need to bring money for concessions.
Who is the director? Both the band and the choir have four directors, chosen from among the conference directors. Each director directs a different musical selection.
When is the concert? The Middle School Honors Concert is scheduled for 4:00 pm.
Can my parents come? Absolutely! Concerts are open to the public. We encourage parents, family and friends to come and be a part of this great experience.
How much will it cost? The Middle School Honors Concert is free. There is also no charge for participating. The only thing you might need money for is lunch or concessions.
What else do I bring? Band students will need to bring their instrument and music, as well as mutes, valve oil, extra reeds, or any other supplies they may need. Choir students will want to bring their music and possibly a water bottle.
What do I wear? Dress for rehearsals during the day is casual. The concert requires dress clothes.
Concert dress for Girls means a skirt or dress (at least knee length) or dress slacks, a modest blouse with sleeves, and dress shoes. Blue jeans, t-shirts, short skirts, low-cut blouses, flip-flops and other casual dress are not appropriate for the concert.
Concert dress for Boys means dress pants, a button-front shirt in either an oxford or polo style, and dress shoes. Blue jeans, t-shirts, sports jerseys, tennis shoes and other casual dress are not appropriate for the concert.
Typical Schedule:
10:00 am Arrive and get equipment settled
10:15 Seating and Warm-up
10:30 First rehearsal
11:30 Break
11:45 Second rehearsal
12:45 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Third rehearsal
3:00 Break
3:30 “Dress” rehearsal
4:15 Break – students may change into concert clothes
5:00 Concert
High School Honors Band and Choir
What is it? A special day to give gifted high school students the opportunity to perform with a larger, fuller and more advanced ensemble than those to which the students normally belong.
How are students selected? Students are nominated by directors and approved by conference selection committee.
Who's on the committee? The committee for band consists of all of the conference band directors. The committee for choir consists of all of the conference choir directors.
What do I do if I'm selected? First of all, double check your schedule to make sure you are free on that day. Typically, your director will ask you before you are nominated if you are interested and available on that day. If you are not free on that day, you should tell your director immediately, so that your spot can be taken by someone else. Next, you should practice, practice, practice! You won't have time to learn your music that day. It's important that you come to the event already knowing your part, so directors can spend the day putting parts together and making the ensemble sound great. Remember, those students selected are considered outstanding musicians. You need to show that you belong by coming prepared.
When does it take place? The second or third Monday of November (See Eight-Year Calendar)
Where does it take place? Each conference school takes a turn hosting (See Eight-Year Calendar)
What will we be doing all day? A typical schedule is listed below. Remember that you are there to contribute to the ensemble, so it's important that you pay attention and follow directions to get the most out of the day.
What about meals? The host school will provide lunch and supper for participants. Your director should receive a menu from the host school, so talk to him/her about any concerns you may have. He/she will take care of payment for those meals.
How about snacks? Talk to your director to see if the host school is providing a concession area. If so, you will need to bring money for concessions.
Who is the director? Directors for the Lakeland Honors Band and Choir are chosen from outstanding directors at area high schools and colleges.
When is the concert? The High School Honors Concert is scheduled for 6:30 pm.
Can my parents come? Absolutely! Concerts are open to the public. We encourage parents, family and friends to come and be a part of this great experience.
How much will it cost? The cost of the concert is set by the host school, and is the same as that school charges for home sporting events.
What else do I bring? Band students will need to bring their instrument, music and a pencil, as well as mutes, valve oil, extra reeds, or any other supplies they may need. Choir students will want to bring their music, a pencil and possibly a water bottle.
What do I wear? Dress for rehearsals during the day is casual. The concert requires uniforms for band members and robes for choir members. Seeing all of the participants in their uniforms or robes of various styles and colors adds greatly to the pageantry of this event.
Typical Schedule:
9:00 am Arrive and get equipment settled
9:15 Seating and Warm-up
9:30 First rehearsal
10:30 Break
10:45 Second rehearsal (optional sectionals – Choir)
12:00 noon Lunch
1:00 pm Third rehearsal
2:00 Break
2:15 Fourth rehearsal
3:15 Break
3:45 Dress Rehearsal – all groups take a turn in performance area
5:00 Supper/Change into concert attire
5:30 Doors open for ticket sales
6:00 Concert
District Solo and Ensemble Festival
What is it? An opportunity for students to be critiqued and/or rated for the solos and ensembles.
When does it take place?
East Lakeland: First Saturday in March (See Eight-Year Calendar)
West Lakeland Middle School: Third Tuesday in January (See Eight-Year Calendar)
West Lakeland High School: Last Thursday in March (See Eight-Year Calendar)
Where does it take place? Each conference school takes a turn hosting (See Eight-Year Calendar)
How do I prepare for Solo / Ensemble? Begin by carefully selecting music with your director. Musical selections must come from a list provided by the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA). Your director can help you chose a piece which will be challenging, but within your ability to learn in the time allotted. Next, it's critical that you practice until you know your music completely. This will ensure a good performance and minimize nerves when it's time to play for the judge. Those performing in an ensemble must practice regularly with the other members of their group. It's just not fair to others if you are unprepared, and no one wants to be the "weak link" in an ensemble. Soloists who have an accompanist should meet often and well in advance of the performance with their accompanist to go through the music.
What do I bring? Every solo or ensemble must have a printed copy (not a photocopy) of their selection for the judge. Band students will need to bring their instrument and music, as well as mutes, valve oil, extra reeds, or any other supplies they may need. Choir students will want to bring their music and possibly a water bottle.
What do I wear? For this event, you will want to wear concert dress. Typically, that means the following:
Concert dress for Girls means a skirt or dress (at least knee length) or dress slacks, a modest blouse with sleeves, and dress shoes. Blue jeans, t-shirts, short skirts, low-cut blouses, flip-flops and other casual dress are not appropriate for this event.
Concert dress for Boys means dress pants, a button-front shirt in either an oxford or polo style, and dress shoes. Blue jeans, t-shirts, sports jerseys, tennis shoes and other casual dress are not appropriate for this event.
When and where do I perform? Your director will have a schedule with the times and places of each performance. Typically there are 6 - 12 classrooms designated as performance sites. Each site has a judge who is an expert in the type of instruments or voices being critiqued.
Can my parents come? Yes. We encourage parents, family and friends to come and listen to you perform.
How much will it cost? Admission to Solo / Ensemble is free.
What is a rating? Solos and ensembles are divided into three classes. A = Most challenging, B = Moderately challenging, C = Less challenging. The WSMA has established standards for each performance. They are I = Superior, II = Good, III = Fair, IV = Poor. Students receive a rating from the adjudicator for each of five to seven categories. These categories differ depending on the type of solo or ensemble being performed. Each performance is then given an overall rating of I to IV. Additionally, those who perform class A solos and ensembles, and who receiving the highest scores, may receive a I*. This signifies that they have qualified to continue on to State Solo Ensemble Festival, which is held on the first Saturday in May at UW-Eau Claire.
Do I have to receive a rating? No. All solos and ensembles have the option to perform for Critique Only, receiving the judges comments and suggestions, but no rating.
What about meals or snacks? Talk to your director to see if the host school is providing a concession area. If so, you will need to bring money for concessions.
Concert (Large Group) Festival
What is it? An opportunity for students to be critiqued and/or rated as a full ensemble.
When does it take place?
East: Third Wednesday in April (depending on when Easter occurs) (See Eight-Year Calendar)
West: Second Tuesday in March (See Eight-Year Calendar)
Where does it take place? Each conference school takes a turn hosting (See Eight-Year Calendar)
How do I prepare for Large Group Festival? Your director will choose 2-3 musical selections, 1 of which must come from a list provided by the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA). Once you receive that music, it's up to you to learn your part. Practice regularly, especially those passages which may be difficult for you. Next, listen to your director as he/she guides your group. A director's job is to bring the whole ensemble together. Remember that simply knowing how to play your part is not enough. You must know how your part fits into the entire piece and how it balances and blends with other voices or instruments.
What do I bring? Band students will need to bring their instrument, music and a pencil, as well as mutes, valve oil, extra reeds, or any other supplies they may need. Choir students will want to bring their music and possibly a water bottle. Your director may also have you listen and critique another performing ensemble. He/she will have critique forms for you.
What do I wear? Your director will decide whether your group will wear concert dress, or uniforms / robes.
When and where do I perform? Your director will have a schedule with the time and place of your group's performance. Typically it will be a large room which can accommodate your group, 2-3 judges, and a few audience members.
Can my parents come? Yes. We encourage parents, family and friends to come and listen to you perform.
How much will it cost? Admission to Large Group Festival is free.
What is a rating? Music for Large Group is divided into four classes. A = Most challenging, B = Moderately challenging, C = Less challenging, and Middle School = Least challenging. The WSMA has established standards for each performance. They are I = Superior, II = Good, III = Fair, IV = Poor. Groups receive a rating from each adjudicator for each of seven categories. Each adjudicator then gives the performance an overall rating of I to IV. These scores are then averaged to produce the final rating.
What about meals or snacks? Talk to your director to see if the host school is providing a concession area. If so, you will need to bring money for concessions.