Wisconsin School Music Association

Growing the future of music education

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About Solo & Ensemble Festivals

The festival program for which WSMA is most well-known, Solo & Ensemble, draws in more than 100,000 students each year, representing every county in the state of Wisconsin! “I still have my Solo & Ensemble medals” is a statement regularly heard by WSMA staff from generations of festival participants who take pride in this long-time tradition, which creates memories and skills for life. Through the Solo & Ensemble experience, students learn the discipline of rehearsal, are challenged to advance their musical skills, perform in front of an audience and adjudicator, and receive feedback on their performance. Those that perform at the highest level (Class A) at a WSMA District Festival have the opportunity to receive a 1* (one-star) rating which advances them on to State Solo & Ensemble Festival.

Each year over 32,000 students (11,000+ events) qualify at district festivals to perform at State Solo & Ensemble festival making this event one of the largest of its kind in the nation. These students represent the student talent and high quality of music programs in Wisconsin’s schools.


 

District Solo & Ensemble Festival

District festivals are held at local schools and scheduled by the district festival manager. Adjudicators are selected by WSMA.
For students in grades: 6-12
Timeline: November, January-April

State Solo & Ensemble Festival

For students that receive a “starred first” rating (*1) at the Class A level at a district festival. State festivals are held at a total of 11 University/College campuses around Wisconsin. Scheduling and adjudicator selection is done by WSMA.
Timeline: Last Saturday of April and first Saturday of May

All WSMA Festivals have five primary goals:

  1. Improve students’ music performance;
  2. Increase students’ understanding of music literature and music concepts;
  3. Motivate students to continue their study of music;
  4. Establish standards of excellence in music performance;
  5. Provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship of music experiences to other life experiences.

About the Process

Music Selection – Students and their teachers choose a musical selection from the WSMA Festival Music List to study. The list is divided into three difficulty levels, called ‘classes.’

Class C – Entry level. For students in their first/second years of study
Class B – Experienced level. For students in their second/third/fourth years of study
Class A – Advanced level.
*Teachers may choose the appropriate level for their student.

Rehearsal – Student’s learn about and rehearse their chosen selection.

Registration – Solo & Ensemble registration is completed online by teachers from WSMA member schools. Solo & Ensemble registration is completed in the Festival App.

At Festival – 

  1. The student reports to the performance room at the assigned time.
  2. The student introduces themself and their selection, then performs.
  3. The adjudicator will provide a written and verbal critique of the performance and award a rating based on defined criteria. (Rating 1 = highest, rating 5 = lowest)

 

Solo & Ensemble Festival

  • About
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  • Festival Manager Resources

Questions?

Festivals Support Team: Send a message
800-589-9762, 608-850-3566 (Madison area)

Suggestion Box

Have a song/event suggestion or enhancement for Festivals? Submit here

New Edition Available Now!

January 2023
“The Joy of Teaching”

Music educators often deem the “joy of teaching” as their number one reason for entering the profession. From sharing meaningful new ways of connecting with students to celebrating overall successes in and outside the classroom, this issue is all about ways of finding joy (again) as a music educator.

Read the full January edition online edition »

 

 

An educational collaboration by WSMA and PBS Wisconsin Education

Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin
In a state-wide survey and listening sessions with music educators, we learned about the need for current, authentic, culturally diverse resources, as well as support in teaching with and about music from different cultures. This multimedia collection for general music programs serving grades 4-8 includes video interviews with Wisconsin musicians, performances, audio files, and educator engagement guides designed to help activate the media with learners.
Learn More »

Thank you to…

This organization is supported with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and granted through the Wisconsin Arts Board.

Contact Us

Wisconsin School Music Association 1005 Quinn Drive
Waunakee, WI 53597
608.850.3566
800.589.9762

Business Hours:
M-F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

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partner organizations

  • Wisconsin Music Educators Association
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