Solo and Ensemble

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+ Participation

All students will prepare either a solo or an ensemble on their primary instrument. A student may elect to prepare an additional solo or ensemble on their primary or a secondary instrument if they wish. Extra credit and band letter points will be provided for those students who prepare multiple events.

+ Performance

Students will have the opportunity to choose their performance location from the following options:

  • Solo and Ensemble Festival (March 2, 2024)

    Students who choose this option will perform at Neenah High School during the festival for a judge and will earn full points for those who receive a score of 1 or 2. Band letter points will be awarded. Students who receive a score of 3 or lower will be graded on the rubric. Students who choose this option will receive a completion grade. Band letter points will be awarded.

  • In Class (First Week of March)

    Students who choose this option will perform for a clinician in class. Students who choose this option will be graded on the performance rubric.

+ Important Dates

  • January 19, 2024: last day to complete registration form(s) linked below for a grade

  • January 19, 2024: last day to complete and submit transposition of parts for miscellaneous ensembles with nonstandard instrumentation (Ensembles who have not completed this will not be allowed to use their chosen piece.)

  • January 19, 2024: last day to request special-permission music (select instruments/ensembles or student composition only)

  • January 19, 2024: payments due for Festival performance

  • January 26, 2024: last day to request/change music

  • March 2, 2024: District Solo and Ensemble Contest (at Neenah High School)

  • April 27, 2024: State Solo and Ensemble Contest (at UW-Oshkosh) (Available for students who receive a 1* at the District Festival)

+ Choosing a Piece to Perform

Take a look at our digital library. As you work on selecting a piece to perform, take the following considerations:

  • Difficulty

    Look for a piece that will stretch your abilities, but keep in mind the time you will have to work on it. Your ideal piece should be just past what you are able to do currently.

  • Style

    Look for a piece that you will enjoy preparing. Does the style and/or time period sound like something you will enjoy working on?

+ Resources

+ Preparation

Look at page 5 in your Blueprint for Success books for more information. Be sure to follow the directions for movements, repeats and form!

+ Grading

  • Music Choice (100 points - Due January 19, 2024)
    • Submit your music selection on the appropriate form linked below.

  • Performance (200 points)
    • Solo and Ensemble Festival (March 2, 2024)
      • Students who choose this option will perform at Oshkosh West High School during the WSMA District Festival for a judge and will earn 200 points for those who receive a score of 1 or 2. Band letter points will be awarded. Students who receive a score of 3 or lower will be graded on the judge’s rubric.
    • In Class (first week of March)
      • Students who choose this option will perform for a clinician in class. Students who choose this option will be graded on the performance rubric.

  • Check Ins (50 points per week)
    • Students will check in with a director at least once per week (weeks of February 5/12, 19, and 26) during class work time for a grade. This is a completion grade. The purpose of the check in is to show progress. Students who do not show progress will need to check in again during the same week for credit.
    • Students who take private lessons during the weeks of Solo and Ensemble preparation are not required to check in with the directors, but are encouraged to do so.

  • In Class Preparation (100 points per week)
    • Students will receive a grade for using time wisely. This can include practicing, working with a director/clinician, listening to a recording, etc. Students who do not use this time wisely will not receive full points.

+ Fees (Due January 19, 2024)

For District Solo and Ensemble Participation only. This does not apply to performances done in class. Payments may be submitted via the Donate button above or in person via the deposit box outside the band office.

  • Class A Solo: $11.00
  • Class B or C Solo: $9.00
  • Ensemble: $15.00 (total)

+ Registration