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Students in Advanced Band are required to participate in Orion's Solo and Ensemble Festival. Students are required to choose a solo to perform. Solo and Ensemble Festivals are a great time to celebrate what you can do on your instrument, show off what you've learned, to expand your musical knowledge, and to celebrate instrumental music. Ms. Shinney LOVES when you learn your favorite song on your instrument, like Harry Potter, or Jurassic Park, I'll totally help you find that music! For festivals, even at the high school level, there are usually pre-approved lists, or you need to get approval from your band director.
My High School Band teacher made me do Solo and Ensemble. I was SO mad, because I had already done that in Jr. High, surely I didn't need to do that anymore. I took about a thousand years to find a solo, so my band director gave me one to work on, because I was being soooo whiny about it. I did Solo and Ensemble, and did pretty ok! I didn't make it to state, but I got REALLY good feedback about my solo. So I worked on that feedback, and got better. It's a good thing I got better, because I used that feedback to improve so that when I performed that solo again, I was able to make it into Music School with a scholarship! So moral of the story, sometimes your teachers make you do something because it's good for you, not because we want torture you. :)
Solo and Ensemble Details
First, you'll pick your solo. Choose a solo from 8notes.com, or any other solo that must be approved my Ms. Shinney. Remember, a solo needs to help you improve a skill you want to work on, or help you learn something new. It shouldn't be something that you could sight read almost perfectly, make it something that you have to work for a little, that's where our growth comes from! The Concert and Contest books, and other books often have good solos. You may look through Orion's solo repertoire for something before or after school. Your solo must be at least 28 measures without repeats.
Next, be sure to practice a lot. Arrange for accompaniment. (If your piece has written accompaniment, you need an accompanist.) For this festival, you may use a recording, especially those provided by 8notes.com.
Then, you'll perform! Performances will be in class. You will get feedback and a score back from Ms. Shinney. Students who get a 1 are invited to participate in Solo and Ensemble at the District Level. District Solo and Ensemble is held on April 24, 2025 at Rocky Mountain Jr High, but is optional and not required. Students who are invited to District Level Solo and Ensemble are strongly encouraged to go! It's a great opportunity for growth, and starts to build a portfolio. At the district level, you will need an actual accompanist. Please see Ms. Shinney for help.
You must have a Solo or a Small Ensemble Piece picked by January 21st! You must have an accompanist arranged by February 20th.
Here's the rubric that is used for Solo and Ensemble.
Solo and Ensemble Rubric.pdfPage updated
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