Good Evening,
The annual Solo and Ensemble Music Performance Assessment will take place on February 15-16, 2013, at Maitland Middle School. This is a required event for all Wind Ensemble students, and is optional (but highly encouraged) for all other students. Symphonic Winds and Symphonic Band students should participate, but can choose an alternate assignment instead. Beginning students are encouraged to participate.
Students have the opportunity to perform alone (solo) or in a small group (ensemble). The only exception to this is that beginning students may only perform a solo (ensembles are for more experienced students only).
Students that participate in this event make significant progress in a very short amount of time. Participating students receive one-on-one guidance from either me or Ms. Cannon. In addition, the students perform for a trained adjudicator (judge) who will give them a rating and valuable feedback.
While it is optional for the majority of band students, participation is required for students who would like to be placed in our most advanced classes for next school year (Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band 1).
The entry fee for this event is $5, but is covered by the "fairshare" ($35). If you paid this at the beginning of the year, you do not need to pay the entry fee. For older students participating in multiple events, it covers the first event, and the student is responsible for $5 for each additional event.
Students who are performing a solo, are required to have a piano player to accompany them. Bridgewater can provide a piano player for a fee ($25). This fee includes the performance and two rehearsals prior to the event. Most students use a Bridgewater pianist, but it is okay to use your own. There will be a place on the registration form to note this.
Each student will be assigned a performance time on either the 15th or 16th - We are able to request a specific day for your child's performance. If you have a request due to a potential conflict, please note it on the registration form. Please only do this if necessary, as we can only make a small number of requests.
The registration form will go home early this week, and will be due no later than Monday, January 14th. I will also post this form to the website.
Finally, the weeks leading up to this event are our busiest of the year. If you have music experience and would be willing to help prepare students, please let me know! We are in need of additional help.
Thank you,
Mr. Antmann
