Middle School Solo & Ensemble Festival Parents and Students, Solo & Ensemble Festival is an event open to all seventh and eighth grade band students. Students prepare a piece of music (solo, duet, trio, quartet, quintet, or large ensemble) for adjudication. A judge will listen to each soloist or ensemble perform, give a brief clinic, and award a rating for the performance (I, II, III, IV, or V I being the highest rating and V being the lowest). Students who earn a rating of a I or II will receive a blue or red medal respectively. Students may choose to perform in one or two events. If performing a solo, a pianist will be required to accompany the soloists (an additional cost ranging from $25$35 for the accompanist). Students may choose to use a friend or family member to accompany their solo, or Mr. Kasperski can line up an accompanist. If performing in an ensemble, be sure to find reliable students that can commit to the performance and will be available to rehearse; all members of an ensemble event receive the same rating. Due to strict music requirements, Mr. Kasperski will help students select music. To register for Solo & Ensemble Festival, please fill out the attached form, include cash or a check (made payable to “Parchment Music Boosters), and turn in to Mr. Kasperski no later than Friday, February 20th, 2015. Each solo costs $10 and each ensemble costs $6 (per person). Students may unregister from the festival at any time if needed, but money is not refunded. Students should wear dress clothes: dress pants or khakis and a button shirt with collar for gentlemen, and dress pants, khakis, or a long skirt and a nice blouse or a dress for ladies. Students may also choose to wear their Parchment Bands polo. Students should also wear dress shoes. Jeans, leggings, short skirts, and sneakers are not permitted. Please contact Mr. Kasperski with any questions regarding the dress code. This year’s Solo & Ensemble Festival will be held at Schoolcraft High School on Saturday, April 18th, 2015. Exact times will not be available immediately; a schedule of student performance times will be distributed as soon as it is made available. It is recommended that students arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled performance time. If a student needs to change perform time(s), please let Mr. Kasperski know immediately. New times are not always guaranteed, but all conflicts will try to be met. Family and friends are welcomed and encouraged to watch the performance! Please contact Mr. Kasperski with any questions or concerns. Solo & Ensemble Festival is an optional event. Students are encouraged to participate, but it is not a required commitment. Mr. Kasperski Parchment Director of Bands [email protected] | HS 269.488.1162 | MS 269.488.1262 | 1916 East G Ave, Parchment, MI 49004