All 7th & 8th grade
chorus students, and 6th grade chorus students in Concert Choir, have the opportunity to participate in this year’s Solo and
Ensemble Festival to be held February 21, 2015 at Still Middle School. Learning
a solo or an ensemble and performing for a judge is an important step on the
road to musical independence. Many students have already expressed an interest
in participating, and it is time now to sign up and make the commitment to this
outstanding learning opportunity. This is not a required activity, but ALL of
the aforementioned students are encouraged to consider participating; students
in Concert Choir are especially encouraged to take part.
What is solo and ensemble
festival?
Once the student indicates interest, we will
help him/her choose a piece. Each student works on his/her piece during the
next few months with Mr. Pfenninger or, if they have one, a private vocal
instructor. On February 21, the student(s) will perform the solo or ensemble
for an adjudicator who will give him/her a rating and provide a written
evaluation of the performance. When the student is well-prepared, this is
always a positive learning experience. This
is not a competitive situation, but an opportunity for musical growth for
students at any ability level. Parents and friends are invited to attend
the performance.
How does each student prepare? How
is music chosen?
The student does the majority of the work.
Starting in January, Mr. Pfenninger will be available after school to work with
students on their music. Each soloist or ensemble will sign up for one 10 to
15-minute help session per week that best fits their schedule. Sign up sheets
will be posted for the help sessions beginning in December; in addition,
students will need to sign up for one session after Thanksgiving break to participate
in the music selection process with Mr. Pfenninger. Unless a student is
studying with a private voice instructor and has already chosen a piece with
him/her, attendance at these once-a-week sessions is mandatory.
Are there any costs involved in
participation?
All vocal entries must be accompanied by a
pianist. We are happy to contract
qualified accompanists for our students.
There will be a $30.00 fee for this service. The fee covers two
rehearsals with the accompanist as well as the performance on the day of the
contest. The fee is paid directly to the accompanist. Please
do not send a check to school for the accompanist fee until called for in early
February. Any student wishing to
find his/her own accompanist is welcome to do so, but please be careful to choose a person who has experience accompanying
students.
You are also responsible for paying an entry
fee. The entry fee pays for the judges,
the cost of transporting and renting pianos, and other details that cost money
when putting on a large event such as the Solo & Ensemble Festival. The cost is $8.50 per solo and $4.50 per
ensemble member. This fee must be
paid at the time the student signs up. Please make checks payable to Gregory Middle School and make sure your student’s name
and phone number appears on the check.
We will pay the IGSMA fee in one large check.
Students must have an original copy (not photocopied)
of the piece of music they choose to perform. This is the "judge’s
copy" and is required for each solo or ensemble. Students may borrow this
‘original’ from Mr. Pfenninger, or purchase their own copy. If you choose to
purchase your own original, please check with Mr. Pfenninger prior to
purchasing to make sure it is the correct version/voicing.
Will it take the whole day?
All solos and ensembles will be scheduled
between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on February 21. Some special scheduling needs
can be met if we know early enough, for example, “morning only because we have
a wedding that afternoon.” Please do not request afternoon because you like to
sleep in. The closer we get to the actual contest date the more difficult it
becomes to make changes in the scheduling, so please check your calendar today
and report any known conflicts when submitting your form. The students will be
at the performance site about 1 1/2 hours total for the solo and/or ensemble
experience: warm-up, performance, and waiting for the ratings.
What do you need to do as a student?
1. Meet with your private teacher or Mr.
Pfenninger to choose a solo and/or ensemble. Music selection sessions will
begin after Thanksgiving break.
2. Work on and memorize your music (don't
wait until February!) and do your best.
3. Make sure you get plenty of help from Mr.
Pfenninger or your private teacher.
4. Always come to the help sessions you sign
up for, starting in January. These sessions
are NOT optional.
5. Make sure that the measures are numbered
on your original copy of the music.
What do you need to do as a
parent?
1. Encourage your student to participate and
work hard.
2. Provide prompt transportation to and from the
contest site and any practices the student may need.
3. Be responsible for the accompanist fee and
participation fee.
Please
complete and turn in this form linked here along with a check totaling the fees indicated
by November 7, 2014.
