2024 District 4 S&E: March 2, 2024 @ McNary High School
Registrations due: February 9. Payment due: February 14
Registrations due: February 9. Payment due: February 14
2024 State Ensemble Contest: April 26, 2024 -- location TBD
2024 State Solo Contest: April 27, 2024-- location TBD
Things to consider when planning your performance
1. If you are playing a solo, contact an accompanist early. Don't wait, because they can fill up. You can use a piano player of your choosing, or pick one from the recommended list above. Just remember they should be a professional quality pianist if you are playing advanced solo music -pro pianists can do a lot to make YOU sound better (i.e. your 10th grade friend, probably won't be the best choice).
2. Music should be chosen very soon if it has not been already. Avoid pop music, movie music, jazz music, covers etc. Pick classical or contemporary art music as the standards of reference. It is highly, highly recommended that you go as a soloist that you work with a private lesson's teacher. It's very difficul to adequately prepare high school level S&E solos without nuanced instruction on your repertoire and your technique. Ensembles can often do well without the guidance of a private teacher, just run your literature selection by your director (pick music that is on the easier side if you aren't working with a coach or private teacher) and ask for a couple of coaching sessions before you go.
3. Make sure your music is legal! You must have one original copy of the score. If it's something you purchased or legally downloaded from the internet, bring the receipt or other information that indicates that it is legally obtained. Remember you can't just take copyrighted music from the internet (there's a lot out there, but it's illegal!).
4. If you are playing in an ensemble, you must have a score. Do not hand the judge separate parts.
5. Number all of the measures in the judge's music and in your music!
6. You must cover all parts of the music. If it's a trio, it must be played by three people - you can't leave a part out. You may substitute instruments (i.e. a trumpet and clarinet could play a trumpet duet), but all parts must be covered.
7. Know your transpositions!!!! If you are playing an ensemble with mixed instrumentation, you may have to transpose parts. Check this transposition list and make sure you are playing in the right key. If your instrument is a different key than the music you are playing, you must transpose in order for it to work:
C instruments:
Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, String Bass, Mallet Percussion
Bb Instruments:
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Trumpet, Cornet
Eb Instruments:
Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone
F Instrument:
French Horn
5. Start practicing! The practice rooms are open daily after school.