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.