Solo & Ensemble

“What is it?”

Each year, the Indiana State School Music Association sponsors a “Solo & Ensemble Festival” at locations throughout the state. It provides choir, band, and orchestra students in middle school through high school the opportunity to perform as a soloist or member of a small ensemble.

Students get the experience of performing for a judge and afterward receive written comments and are assigned a rating based on the quality of the performance. Medals are then awarded based on the rating earned.

Students who participate at ZWest will typically receive help in choosing and learning their songs from their private voice or piano instructor.

Performers will usually sing in a classroom at the festival site where a judge will listen and provide written comments on the performance.

The experience of singing a solo or as part of a small group provides a fun, extra way of “showing off” the skills we work on each day in class, and can help in building self-confidence, performance skills, and dedication to an art.

It is absolutely necessary that each student work on his or her own as well. It is impossible for any student to have a completely worthwhile and rewarding experience without putting in extra work outside of class. Only those who are committed to that extra practice should consider participating.

Questions? Please contact Mr. Kistner if you need any clarification on the above policies or to pick up an application form for vocal or piano events. Thanks!