The Florida Bandmaster’s Association (FBA) sponsors the District 17 Solo and Ensemble Festival during February of every year. The opportunity to be evaluated as a soloist or as a member of a small ensemble by a judge (an experienced music educator) is a wonderful learning experience. Participation in this festival is strongly encouraged for students.

 

Each student and a parent must complete a contract to participate in the Solo & Ensemble Festival. Additionally, each festival participant must pay the required fees. Both the contract and fees must be turned in by Tuesday December 16th.

 

The contract and the lessons/rehearsals with the accompanist are used to nearly guarantee each student will be properly prepared and have a great experience.

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There are two ways in which a student may participate in the Solo & Ensemble Festival. Students may play as a soloist with a piano accompanist. There is a small fee for performing a solo. Students may also perform in a chamber ensemble.

There is a $5 fee per member.

 

All music performed must be chosen from the FBA Music List. Music will be chosen with the help of the director.

 

Solos

• A solo is a piece of music written for one person to perform on his or her instrument.

• Solos include a piano part (the accompanist) that must be performed with the solo.

• A student may perform only one solo per instrument. If a student plays more than one instrument, he or she may perform multiple solos, as long as they are on different instruments.

 

Ensembles

• An ensemble is a small group of performers. This includes: duets (2), trios (3), quartets (4), quintets (5), and choirs (up to 26).

• Ensembles DO NOT WORK when 1 or more members are not present to practice with the group. As such, ensembles will rehearse after school on a chosen day Monday/Tuesdays/ or Thursdays from 2-3 beginning December 18th. If a student does not attend without reason, the group will not perform and there will be no refunds.