Solo And Ensemble Competition
This year we have an exciting opportunity to participate in the WTSBOA Solo and Ensemble Competition. The competition is designed to recognize students for their individual achievement in orchestra. The students will also receive feedback from the judges on how to improve their playing technique. I encourage all students to participate but am not requiring it this year.
Who, What, Where, When, How Much??
• Who: Any child participating in my orchestra may participate in this program.
• What: They may play one solo with/or without accompaniment. And/or they may also participate in a small group ensemble of two, three, or four players.
• Where: Site Colonial Jr. High, Memphis,
• When: Actual Date: Saturday, April 12, 2008
Permission slip and money due to me: Friday, February 22, 2008
• How Much: 7$ for the solo and 7$ from EACH member of the ensemble
Turning in your money makes your registration official.
Q & A
What should I know about when the students perform?
They come when they want to and sign up for the time that they want. Obviously, times are first come -first served. You can count on at least an hour, and that doesn’t count any time that you want to practice in the warm-up room beforehand. There will be a break between 12 and 1:00 when the judges are at lunch. Ms. Overson will be there from 7:30 a.m. until closing.
How long will it go in the evening?
The day goes from 8:00 a.m. (first time for judging) to 2:30 p.m. (last time to arrive and sign up for a judging time.) Students can arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. to sign up for a time, and the actual day will go as long as it takes to hear everyone who has signed for a time by 2:30 p.m. We are usually completely done with the day by 4:00 p.m.
What if my solo is less than 32 measures with repeats?
Students can they play more than one short piece to add up to the required 32 measures.
What if my solo is longer than 5 minutes?
Cuts can be made as long as they make musical sense, phrase endings, etc. Just mark on the judge’s copy.
What do I have to bring with me?
Make sure that you have your instrument and music with you. You do not need to bring a collapsible stand, however you may use one to warm-up with. The music that you give to the judges needs to be an original that has all measures numbered. Make sure to double check with me that it is done correctly. Please give me the original music before the competition to ensure that you have it, I will return it to you quickly.
If you have a question… leave me a comment or shoot me an email boverson@scsk12.org. I will answer personally then post it on this page.
