The State Solo and Ensemble Contest
is for students in band and/or choir. It requires a tremendous amount of effort
and ability. First, the musician selects a composition that he or she will
prepare for judges. Students can perform solos, duets, or pieces with large
groups. Over the course of several weeks, and in some cases months, the student
both learns his or her pieces and practices with his or her accompanists. It
takes regular dedication and insight on how they are to execute the music and
make it one’s own. The music teachers help significantly in building the
student into the best performer he or she can be.
Finally, the day will arrive,
carrying with it some nerves and the desire to excel. When being judged, the
knowledgeable critic rates the player on a scale of one to five; five, being
the worst, is described as a performer hardly playing correct notes with lack
of commitment. One is the best, with the performer having accurate notes.
However, to get that one, the performer will also need that extra something:
contrasting dynamics and personalization.
Being a musical student myself, I am
currently feeling the anticipation in preparing the pieces I will execute. The mental
strains are also high with this being my first year as a high school student in
the State Solo and Ensemble Contest.
This year the Western Dubuque band
has 46 entries for the State Solo and Ensemble Contest. The amount of soloists
is at an all-time high, along with some new additions. Several students are
participating in the new soprano saxophone solos and the new woodwind choir.
Wish us luck!
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