1/14/21 Solo & Ensemble Clarifications; WSMA Festival Registration extended to Sunday

Hello band families,

The deadline to register for the WSMA solo/ensemble festival on 2/19 has been extended to Sunday. To answer a few questions I've received about solo & ensemble:

1. What is the difference between 1/29 and 2/19?

- Middleton Bands Solo/Ensemble is on 1/29. This is a non-WSMA festival, so we have hired judges ourselves who we know will give consistent quality feedback, and we have scheduled 16-minute time slots to allow for more instruction. There is no list of required music. Registration for this event happened in December.

- WSMA District Solo/Ensemble is on 2/19. This festival is hosted by Middleton but is run according to WSMA rules. WSMA provides the judges, the list of approved music, etc. If you are playing a "class A" piece and are interested in the WSMA state festival in April this is a qualifying event. Registration is due Sunday.

2. What do I put for my event number and selection number for the WSMA festival?

- You'll need to find your piece on the WSMA list. The event number is 4 digits and the selection number is 1-3 digits.

- A note about the class B solos The Executant and Pergola: these two solos are not on the WSMA list for most instruments. You can still play them at the WSMA festival - it will just be for "critique only" (no rating). Put the 4 digit number for your instrument (e.g. 4111 for trumpet solo) and just put 0 for the selection number.

3. Who do I put for my accompanist for the WSMA festival?

Because we are focusing our efforts on the 1/29 festival, the school is not contracting accompanists for 2/19. Contact Mr. V if you need a list of accompanists to contact about hiring. If you don't have this information ready by Sunday, just make a note and we can fill it in sometime next week.

4. Do I need a "judge's copy?"

- For the WSMA festival on 2/19, you will need to provide the judge with an original published copy of your music (not a photocopy) - UNLESS you are playing for "critique only."

- For the MHS festival on 1/29, the school will handle this as long as we own a copy of the piece you're playing.

5. What do I wear for Solo/Ensemble?

You should dress up a little bit - for example, a dress shirt and slacks. Things like neckties and high heels are not recommended unless you have practiced playing your instrument in them.

1/11/22 Band Updates

Hello band students and families, 1. Jazz Concert Friday THIS FRIDAY is the annual January performance for the MHS jazz bands. (In normal times this is the Jazz Cabaret.) Details: - Concert starts at 7:30 in the high school PAC - Dress code (for performers) is all black - Free and not ticketed - Report times as follows: Seven O'Clock Jazz -- report 5:30 for recording Jazz Orchestra -- report 6:30 Cardinal Big Band -- report 6:45 Jazz Lab -- report 6:45 2. No Jazz Monday There will be no jazz rehearsals on Monday evening 1/17. Rehearsals resume as normal on 1/24. 3. Solo/Ensemble Accompaniments - If you are playing The Executant or Pergola with a recording, click here. - If you are a brass/percussion player with a school accompanist, click here. - If you are a woodwind player with a school accompanist, schedule TBA(!) 4. WSMA Solo/Ensemble Registration If you are planning to participate in the WSMA solo/ensemble festival at Middleton on 2/19, please sign up here. Registrations are due by Friday. 5. Solo/Ensemble Parent Volunteers - Signups coming soon! We are currently ON for the MHS Bands solo/ensemble festival on the 1/29. Watch for volunteer signups coming soon!

Links to attachments:

1. Solo & Ensemble Lesson Music

2. Solo & Ensemble Accompanists -- Michael Ver Voort

Music Teacher & Director of Bands Middleton High School (608) 829-9680 mvervoort@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

12/17/21 MHS Band Solo & Ensemble Registration DUE TODAY

Hello band students,

Don't forget that registrations for the MHS Band solo/ensemble festival on January 29th are DUE TODAY. Please fill out the form tonight if you intend to participate in solo/ensemble this year.

Click here to register

I will keep the form open through the weekend for late registrations in case you encounter any difficulties. On Monday, I will send a separate link to register for the WSMA festival on February 29th.

Mr. V