Solo & Ensemble
Solo and Ensemble provides students with a unique platform to showcase their musical abilities before a skilled adjudicator, who provides detailed written feedback. Participants earn a first, second, or third place rating based on the excellence of their performance, without direct competition against their peers. The competition boasts the participation of hundreds of middle school students from the region and is held at a local middle school. This year's Solo & Ensemble Contest is scheduled to take place at:
Saturday, February, 24th, 2024
Haven Middle School
2417 Prairie Avenue, Evanston IL 60604
Haven Middle School
2417 Prairie Avenue, Evanston IL 60604
- Please review the contest requirements: Please review the contest requirements: Students and private instructors will select a solo that meets contest guidelines and aligns with the student's performance ability.
- 1. A Solo or Duet must be a minimum of 28 measures in length before any additional repeats, codas, or alternate endings.
- The student performs using an originally purchased solo or duet, and the purchased copy is provided to the judge while the student performs from another copy.
- Electronic print (e-print) music is permissible, but it must be clearly labeled or accompanied by a receipt to confirm that it is an authentic purchase, not a photocopy.
- Perform solos requiring piano accompaniment as specified.
- Number the measures on the judge's copy. Failure to do so will result in a lower rating for the performer.
- The dress code is also part of the overall rating. “Best dress” should exclude jeans and sneakers.
- Families arrange and schedule accompanist rehearsals. All solos will be performed with an accompanist unless the solo accompaniment is listed as optional on the score or the solo is listed as unaccompanied. Accompanist fees are separate from the registration fee.
For reference, here's a quick example of what the experience is like....