Solo & Ensemble is an important unit of study in Middle School Band. Solo & Ensemble is also a non-competitive Festival where students have the opportunity to perform a solo, duet or large ensemble (Woodwind or Brass Choir, Percussion Ensemble.) The performance takes place in front of a judge who completes a critique and offers suggestions for improvement. The students receive a rating for their performance (and eventually a medal as well!!). Solo & Ensemble is non-competitive; the only competition is with yourself to do your best!

Solo & Ensemble is so beneficial for students that it is a major unit of study in MS Band!

ALL Band students participate in the Solo & Ensemble Unit by performing in a Large Ensemble: a Woodwind Choir, Brass Choir, or Percussion Ensemble.  Performances in the Large Ensembles at Recital and District Festival are just like a concert---an essential element of participation in Band.

Solo and ensemble unit is a period of great individual growth of instrument technique and musical knowledge. It is an opportunity for students to show-off their abilities. It is also a great opportunity for students to seek a challenge and receive individual help and recognition. The Solo & Ensemble unit is an important part of the Band Curriculum and is both a required activity and a co-curricular activity for all band students.

Please check this year’s MS Band Performance Schedule for dates & Festival location.

What is the REQUIRED (graded at lessons) portion of Solo & Ensemble?

BEFORE WINTER BREAK: Every student will complete a set of written assignments to help them make decisions about Solo & Ensemble:

• Self evaluations to help students identify their musical strengths & areas for improvement.
• An interest survey to help determine if an independent study project is a good choice.
• Write goals to identify areas of focus and how to improve in those areas.

BEFORE WINTER BREAK: decide if you do or do not wish to play an independent study Solo or Duet (this is the Co-Curricular portion). 

• Select your music at your lesson with the help of your lesson teacher.  
• OR: decide that you are not ready to play a Solo or Duet. 
• All students WILL participate in a Large Ensemble during their Band Rehearsals and Lessons.

January: LARGE ENSEMBLES:

• Receive music & begin work in Band rehearsals and lessons.
• Practice independently on difficult sections.
• Students play their part for grades during lessons.
• Complete an analysis worksheet to help understand all elements of the music. (Graded writing assignment.)

January:SOLOS/ DUETS: Co-Curricular Activity:

• Practice independently to learn notes and rhythms.
• Students in a duet practice must also set up practice time to play with their partner.
• Complete an analysis worksheet to help understand all elements of the music.
• Sign up & work with a Solo & Ensemble coach once per week after school.  These weekly "check-ups" will take 15 minutes.
• Perform for MS Qualifications  to get used to playing for a judge and to receive comments on progress. The Qualifications schedule will be posted the week prior to the event. Each event will be scheduled for a 10 minute appointment between 4:30-8 pm. (Special time requests will be allowed to accommodate individual schedules.)  Students only need to be at WMS to warm-up and play the performance. (They don't need to be at WMS the entire night!).

FEBRUARY: all Solos & Duets AND all Large Ensembles:

• Large Ensembles: continue to rehearse & perfect the music.  You will be graded on your music at lessons.
• Solos: continue to perfect your selection through independent practice.  IN ADDITION: you need to practice with your assigned accompanist once per week.
• Duets: continue to perfect your selection by practicing with your partner, and work with a coach once per week after school
• All MS Band students will perform in the MS Solo & Ensemble Recital. This event gives parents and friends an opportunity to enjoy the performances AND gives students an additional opportunity to prepare for the Festival .

What is the optional (Co-curricular) part of the Solo & Ensemble Unit?  Complete all of the following:

• Confirm with Ms. Braun that you are continuing and turn in the required forms.
• PRACTICE! Extra help is available after school with a Solo & Ensemble coach.
• Perform at the Solo & Ensemble Qualifications for a judge and receive a recommendation to continue (Yes), get more intensive coaching (Maybe), or discontine (No).
• SOLOS: Rehearse with your piano accompanist once per week
• DUETS: Rehearse on your own with your partner (duets). Continue with your "weekly check-ups" after school.
• Perform at the Spring Recital for an audience.
• And finally, perform at Solo and Ensemble Festival
  • We will make every effort to accommodate schedule conflicts.  We rely on good communication between students, parents, and directors to make this possible.
  • The Festival schedule will be posted at least one week in advance.
  • Students will be responsible for attendance at their registered events AND the warm-up time necessary to prepare for the performance(s).
  • Bus transportation will be provided.
    • Students are required by Board of Education Policy to ride the bus unless other arrangements have been made in advance with the teacher.
  • Want to know more?  Check out this sample document: "Everything You Need to Know About Solo & Ensemble"

Continuing to Festival is strongly recommended! We feel this is an AWESOME musical experience for all!