Solo & Ensemble
Wisconsin School Music Association
WSMA Solo & Ensemble draws in more than 100,000 students each year, representing every county in the state of Wisconsin! Through the Solo & Ensemble experience, students learn the discipline of rehearsal, are challenged to advance their musical skills, perform in front of an audience and adjudicator, and receive feedback on their performance.
District Solo & Ensemble Festivals:
location: APPLETON EAST high school
Voice & Piano: saturday, february 28
instrumental: saturday, march 7
About Solo & Ensemble Festivals
WSMA Primary Goals
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Improve students’ music performance;
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Increase students’ understanding of music literature and music concepts;
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Motivate students to continue their study of music;
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Establish standards of excellence in music performance;
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Provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship of music experiences to other life experiences.
District Festivals
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Students first prepare their solo and ensemble pieces (selected from the pre-approved Festival Music List) for a local District Festival.
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District Festivals are held at local schools and scheduled by the District Festival manager.
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Adjudicators are selected by WSMA.
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Students are eligible to participate if they would be in grades: 6-12
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Timeline: February-April
State Festivals
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Students that receive a “starred first” rating (*1) at the Class A level at a District Festival qualify to present their selections at a State Festival.
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State Festivals are held at a total of 11 University/College campuses around Wisconsin (typically held at UW-Oshkosh for our students)
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Scheduling and adjudicator selection is done by WSMA.
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Timeline: Last Saturday of April and first Saturday of May
About the Process
Music Selection
Students and their teachers choose a musical selection from the WSMA Festival Music List to study. Students will need to purchase two copies of their solo (one for the student and one for the Adjudicator). The list is divided into three difficulty levels, called ‘classes.’
Class C – Entry level. For students in their first/second years of study
Class B – Experienced level. For students in their second/third/fourth years of study
Class A – Advanced level.
*Directors may choose the appropriate level for their student.
Rehearsal & Registration
Rehearsal - Students learn about and rehearse their chosen selection. If preparing an accompanied solo, students are encouraged to find a piano accompanist for rehearsal and performance. Students should allow a minimum of 2 months' practice before the performance date (including at least 2 rehearsals with their accompanist). Scheduling a time with your Director is also encouraged.
Registration - Solo & Ensemble registration is completed online by Directors from WSMA member schools (Valley Troubadours is a member "school."). Solo & Ensemble registration is completed online through WSMA.
At Festival
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Students arrive at Festival site 45 minutes prior to scheduled time, dressed in recital-appropriate attire (dress pants, collared shirt & tie or blouse, dress, or skirt & blouse), locate accompanist, find warm-up room to store coats/cases, and warm up voice or instrument.
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Students report to the performance room 10 minutes prior to the assigned time.
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Students will bring music/score (with measures numbered) and will give one copy to the Adjudicator
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Students introduce themselves, their accompanist, and their selection (including title, composer, and one interesting fact or something learned), then perform.
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The adjudicator will provide a written and verbal critique of the performance and award a rating based on defined criteria. (Rating 1 = highest, rating 5 = lowest).
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Students who receive a 1* rating on a Class A solo or ensemble will then advance to the State Festival