Solo and Ensemble Contest

Middle School Solo and Ensemble High School Solo and Ensemble   The ability to perform a solo, and in a small ensemble is a very important aspect of string playing. Almost all string players (including all ages and experience levels) play in some form of ensemble, such as a string quartet. The ability to play a solo or quartet music for weddings, birthdays, fine dining, and more is one of the main ways a string player makes a living.   Middle School Solo and Ensemble Students in the Kimbrough Orchestras are expected to participate in an ensemble. Most ensembles formed are string quartets and violin quartets. All quartets receive inside and outside school day attention from the director. These ensembles will also be performed in front of the class, for a performance grade, prior to the solo/ensemble contest. Mr. Marien will choose which ensembles should participate in the contest based on the work seen inside and outside of class, and the performance given for the class. All private lesson students will perform a solo for the contest, unless given permission to omit by the director. The bulk of the private lesson will be on technique and solo study. This is the private lesson students time to shine. All solos need to have piano accompiament for the contest. The students private teacher may accompany the student, or someone will be provided by Mr. Marien. Students perform for one judge at the contest. All judges are from districts outside of Mesquite and do not know the students performing. Most judges are teachers with middle school experience or have worked with that age group. The judge watches, as well as listens, to the student(s) play. Results of the performance are usually posted 15-30 minutes after the performance. Students receive a metal for first (I) divisions on solos and ensembles. All students will receive a critique sheet from the judge that listened to the performance along with a rating of I, II, or III. Top of Page High School Solo and Ensemble Students at Poteet High School can participate in the U.I.L Solo and Ensemble Contest hosted by a school in our region (Region III) or the Mesquite High School Solo and Ensemble Contest here in Mesquite. The students select music from the Prescrbed Music List (PML) under classes of difficulty. Class 1 Music is the least difficult and Class 3 music is the most difficult. Students wishing to go to the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest must perform a solo or ensemble from the class 3 list by memory at the U.I.L. Contest. Students at Poteet High School are rcomended to go to the contest only if the music is very well prepared. Students perform for one judge at the contest. All judges are from regions outside of Region III or outside of the Mesquite school district (for the Mesquite contest) and do not know the students performing. All judges are teachers have school experience or have worked with that age group. The judge watches, as well as listens, to the student(s) play. Results of the performance are usually posted 15-30 minutes after the performance. Students receive a metal for first (I) divisions on solos and ensembles. All students will receive a critique sheet from the judge that listened to the performance along with a rating of I, II, or III. Top of Page