Solo & Ensemble Festival

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The Spring 2020 Howard County Elementary School Solo & Ensemble date will be on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at Long Reach High School!

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS SOLO & ENSEMBLE?

The ELEMENTARY SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL is a chance for students to prepare and perform music as a soloist or other small ensemble in front of a judge for comments.  Solos are pieces performed by you alone or with piano accompaniment.  A small ensemble performs a piece of music together and consists of two or more students, playing similar instruments.  (i.e. string quartet, violin duo, cello trio)

NOTE:  To get the most from the opportunity…students should prepare their audition under the guidance of a private instructor or your orchestra director.


CLICK THESE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please Note: The Music Office of The Howard County Public School System compiled the accompanist list.  The names were provided at the request of those who are listed, some of which are school system employees.  It should be understood that this list does not represent a recommendation or endorsement by the school system.


FAQ

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?

Interested students should pick and begin preparing an appropriate solo/ensemble anytime after the winter concert.  To get the most from the opportunity, students should prepare their solo/ensemble music under the guidance of a private teacher or your orchestra director.  In late February/early March, online registration will open and interested students must complete the online document and pay the appropriate fees by the deadline indicated.

IS THERE A COST?

  • $10.00 per solo (cash/check is accepted.  If paying with check, please make it out to “Dayton Oaks Elementary School’)
  • $5.00 per performer for ensembles of 2 or more students (paid by Dayton Oaks–so yes, it is “free” for DOES students thanks to Mr. LaRoche!)

IS THIS AN AUDITION?

NO, this is not an audition and no one is “chosen” for Solo & Ensemble.  This is a chance for everyone to perform for a qualified and respected judge/musician who can offer you feedback on how to improve your playing.  Even thought this is NOT an audition, you will be performing one on one.

WHERE DO I GET MUSIC?

The music can either be selected by your private teacher or your orchestra director.  (Please let Ms. Sutton know if you would like her to choose an appropriate piece of music for you.)  Remember that you must have an original copy of the sheet music–you are not permitted to perform from photocopies – that is illegal!

WHAT MUSIC IS APPROPRIATE FOR ME?

The best advice regarding selection of an appropriate solo or ensemble comes from your private teacher or orchestra director.

WHERE DO I FIND A PIANO ACCOMPANIST?

At the elementary school level, it is not required to have a piano accompanist; however, if desired, an accompanist does make a “solo” performance sound complete and certainly more professional.  If you choose to have one, it is you responsibility to contact a piano accompanist for both a rehearsal and performance.  Click here for a list of ACCOMPANISTS.  Please remember you will need to pay them for their time and efforts.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Students will be assigned a specific performance time a couple of weeks prior to the festival. The times are sent to the ensemble director from the audition coordinators and are not available before that time. Students should plan to arrive at the festival site approximately 30 minutes prior to their scheduled performance time. Students will need to check in at the registration desk where they will be given instructions and will be directed to the warm-up area. (The warm-up area is usually a cafeteria or gymnasium where everyone waiting to perform is preparing.) Approximately ten or fifteen minutes prior to your performance time, you will need to move to your performance room.

When you arrive at the room you must wait until the person ahead of you has completed their performance. This could take several minutes, but DO NOT play outside of the room. You can play a little once you get into the room. (The room is often just a classroom with the desks pushed aside.) There will usually be a chair and a stand, as well as a judge sitting at the other end of the room. The judge will invite you inside and will probably ask if you would like to play a few notes. Use this time to get comfortable and play whatever you would like to calm your nerves and get adjusted. Next you will be asked to perform your prepared piece.  The whole process takes about ten minutes.

  • Official certificates and written comments can be picked up from the Festival Center (cafeteria).

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR SHEET MUSIC

  • Write the measure numbers in your music and the piano part.  (YES, each measure!)  It is required for most festivals and auditions anyway.  Double check that all rehearsal marks agrees between solo part and piano part.
  • Arrange with your piano accompanist (if applicable) about how to get the music to them.
  • Use original music only!!  Photocopies of music are illegal!  If the music is worth practicing and performing, it is worth purchasing.
  • Do not expect a piano accompanist to perform without a rehearsal.  Remember to be professional at all times.