Our school is unable to provide a concert group opportunity for students this school year. Are students still eligible for the Virtual Solo & Ensemble Festival?
Yes, as stated in Festival Rules, eligibility requirements have been updated to the following:
- Students must be in grades 6-12.
- Students must attend a WSMA Member School.
Are ensembles allowed in the 2020-2021 Virtual Festival?
Yes, as stated in Festival Rules, teachers and participants should follow their local or tribal health department guidelines regarding COVID-19 and have permission from their school administration for the recording of ensembles.
Can I use an app or software to create an ensemble performance from individual videos?
Yes! As stated in Festival Rules:
- Multi-track layered video performances created with the use of software or other applications are permitted.
- Recording requirements:
- Each individual recording should be captured in one take.
- Individual recordings should not be altered.
- Final multi-track layered videos should not be altered.
- Individual parts may be recorded by different students, the same student or any combination thereof.
- Recording requirements:
There are no restrictions on the software or application used to create the multi-track layered video performances.
The use of a click track or metronome during recording is permitted as long as it is not audible in the final video performance.
Multi-track layered performances should still be registered under the normal, applicable event number.
There will be no changes to the current ensemble rubrics. Adjudicators will be instructed to evaluate performances based on what they hear and see in the video performances. Per usual adjudication expectations, students will receive feedback on their musical performances that support and encourage growth through written constructive feedback.
My students are required to wear masks. Is it ok to submit performance videos with performers wearing masks?
Yes, as stated in Festival Rules, teachers and participants should follow their local or tribal health department guidelines regarding COVID-19. Adjudicators are prepared to view, evaluate and provide feedback for performers wearing masks. There is no penalty for wearing a mask in any event.
Do I need to register and upload all of my students' performance videos at the same time?
No, the Virtual Festival Cycles are designed with multiple weeks of open registration for teachers to register events when students are ready to record their performance. It is HIGHLY recommended that you enter events as soon as possible. The uploading of videos takes some time, and the deadline for submissions cannot be extended.
Do Festival Rules still apply to the Virtual Solo Festival?
Yes, but with some modifications for the virtual format. Please view Festival Rules here.
Do schools need to register through a 'host' school' or coordinate with other schools to form a festival?
No. Schools/teachers can register events for the Virtual Solo & Ensemble Festival independently. Festival registrations and video submissions will be accepted through the online platform provided by WSMA. WSMA will assign adjudicators to each event and notify teachers when evaluations are completed.
Have registration fees changed due to the virtual format?
No. Standard event registration fees apply. Please view the Dues and Program Fees webpage for more information.
Does a student have to participate in Cycle A Festival in order to be eligible to participate in Cycle B Festival?
No, a student is not required to participate in both cycles. It is an option.
Do I need accompaniment for my solo?
For the Virtual Solo & Ensemble Festival, accompaniment is optional for all events, including music theater. The accompaniment is not included on the rubric and not considered in the evaluation. If you choose to use an online or pre-recorded accompaniment, please manage the recording as best as you can to follow performance instructions and ‘cuts’ to the music. Be sure to spend plenty of time playing along with the recording.
Consider the following alternative options to a live accompaniment:
- Use a pre-recorded accompaniment provided by a private teacher or school music teacher.
- Download the Appcompanist app (available in iTunes or GooglePlay store)
- Subscribe to Virtually Vocal
- Download accompaniments from Piano-Accompaniments.com
- Check YouTube for available accompaniments (double check edition)
Can I use the same video for state that I submitted for district?
Videos submitted for District Festival should not be submitted for State Festival. A new performance video should be recorded following the District Festival for State Festival adjudication. Students should apply feedback received at the district level to their continued practice of music literature as described in the primary goals of WSMA Festivals and CMP Standards.
My solo has lots of rests. Should I count through those? Or cut those measures and come in again when my part resumes?
Please use your best judgement. WSMA recommends the following: If there are multi-measure rests longer than 3 measures, these may be omitted. Please mark this in the score or announce this during your introduction.
Do I need to provide an original piece of music for the adjudicator?
Yes, WSMA received permission from publishers to include their selections on the Festival Music List providing original music was still required as a part of Festival Rules.
Do I still have to submit a 'classical' vocal solo in order to submit a music theater solo?
Yes, students are required to submit a classical solo in addition to their music theater solo in the same District Festival Cycle.
Can I register an event as Comments Only? I'm just interested in feedback, but no rating.
Yes, this option is available in the festival registration software.
Are Virtual Solo Festival events eligible for Exemplary Performance Nominations and Awards?
WSMA Exemplary Performance Recognition will not be available for the Virtual Solo & Ensemble Festival.
Can I post or share my performance video publicly?
WSMA does not endorse the sharing of the performance video outside of the festival due to copyright.
My percussion students don't have access to all equipment, can a substitution be made?
Yes, students may play their selection on an appropriate substitution (ex. concert snare for parade drum; xylophone for vibraphone). Contact WSMA with additional questions.
How can students scan their music at home and share it with their teacher?
One suggestion is to use the Genius Scan app. Click here for instructions.
