SOLO/ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL
In Grade 8, Band Festival and Solo/Ensemble Festival are required activities as they comprise such a major part of the year. There WILL BE early morning rehearsals in January and February for Band Festival beginning at 7:00 a.m. (approximately 2-3 mornings/week). All morning rehearsals attended will count as 40 minutes on the practice sheet.
As for grade 7, Solo/Ensemble Festival is not required but highly encouraged! It IS an activity that is strongly pushed for musical growth in the class! Your child may also be approached sometime during the first semester and asked if he/she would like to participate in this year’s BAND FESTIVAL. If so, they would join the 8th Graders in forming a CONCERT BAND for the festival. A letter with all details would be sent home at that time if he/she is chosen. You will receive more information on these events as the Winter months approach.
SOLO or ENSEMBLE REQUIREMENT for GRADE 8
Choosing an ensemble or solo to play is a requirement in grade 8, optional in grade 7, although the actual participation in the Michigan Schools Solo and Ensemble Festival in February is optional in both grades. Students in Grade 8 who do not participate in the actual event listed above, still need to prepare either a solo or ensemble with other group members and perform either at an evening or school concert. We will also accept a class performance in which the group or soloist is adjudicated and given comments and a rating. Rehearsals with the other group members will be done both in class and some outside of class.