2010 NHMEA SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

February 13, 2010 -- Keene State College
Registration fee is $15

E-mail: Matthew Redmond, Chairperson

• General Info
• Rules & Regulations (updated Jan 4)
• Info/Rules print version
• Application Form -- POSTMARK DEADLINE 12/5

General Info:

Application Deadline: December 5th, 2009
Festival Date: February 13^th, 2010
Site: Keene State College
Registration fee: $15

The 2009 Solo & Ensemble will take place on Saturday, February 13^th.   The festival is a unique opportunity for students of all ages and ability levels to perform for an adjudicator without the stress of an audition.  Students have the option of performing for a rating or “comments only”.

The application deadline is Friday, December 5^th, 2009.  Any application received after the deadline will be returned.  Applications need to be filled out completely and legibly, including the number of miles to Plymouth and information pertaining to multiple performances and accompanists.  Applications not completely filled out will be categorized as “comments only”.  Payment must be included with the applications.  Please use one check per school, and no personal checks.

If a specific performance time is needed do so in writing and send it with the applications.  Every attempt is made to accommodate reasonable requests. 

As stated earlier students may select to perform for a rating or for “comments only”.  This will be noted on the application.  Acceptable music to be performed for a rating is listed in the 2009 NYSSMA Manual.  If the chosen selection does not appear in the 2009 issue, but does appear in a prior issue, list the issue and page on the application.  Students wishing to perform for “comments only” may select any piece of music. 

To order the NYSSMA Manual contact:

Katie Struzik

NYSSMA Manual Chairperson

535 Rondo Lane

Webster, NY 14580

(585) 670-9252

Or order online at:

http://www.nyssma.org/manual.cfm

If there are any questions, please contact the chairperson at

(603) 624-6352 or mredmond@mansd.org

Mail all applications to:

Matthew Redmond

Hillside Middle School

112 Reservoir Ave.

Rules & Regulations:

The following lists the general Rules & Regulations for the festival.  They are taken in part from the NYSSMA Manual.

1.      Students performing for a grade must select music from the NYSSMA Manual and specify the grade level on the application.  Students choosing to perform for “comments only” must also specify this on the application.

2.      Music for adjudicators is optional, but suggested for ensembles.  PHOTOCOPIES ARE NOT ALLOWED.

3.      Memorization is not required.

4.      There is a time limit.  All instrumental performances are blocked in 12-minute intervals and vocal in 10-minute intervals.  This time frame includes the selected piece(s), scales (when required) and the time for adjudicators to write comments.  Students should plan on a maximum of 6 minutes for their actual performance, realizing the adjudicator will make suitable cuts in the music.

5.      Students will be assigned a warm-up time 10-12 minutes prior to their performance time.

6.      Students participating for a rating will receive a letter grade of A, B, C, or D without the use of pluses or minuses.  Grades will be recorded by level followed by grade i.e.: II-B.

7.      Ensembles are limited to sixteen members.  Ensembles of five or less must perform without a conductor.

8.      Scales are required for any student performing an instrumental solo for a rating.  Each student will play 3 major scales from memory ascending and descending at a moderate tempo.  Percussionists will be asked to play specific rudiments.  For a complete list of required scales and rudiments, consult the NYSSMA manual, or contact the chairperson.

9.      All applications must include the signatures of the music teacher and school principal.  No exemptions will be made.  Schools must also have paid their sponsoring district fee to participate in any NHMEA event.

10.    The application fee is $12.00 per event.  One check per school, made payable to NHMEA should accompany all applications.  No refunds will be given for withdrawal from the festival.

11.    Students performing for a rating will receive a certificate of participation.  Music directors have the option of ordering medals for those students who receive a rating of “A” or “B”.

12.    All performances are open to the public, and where space available, students re encouraged to listen to other performances.

13.    Improper behavior on the day of the event may be cause for disqualification from the event.  This would include, but is not limited to:  un-sportsmanlike conduct, destruction or theft of property, and smoking in the buildings by participants.