Do Festival Rules still apply to the Virtual Solo Festival?
Festival Rules do apply to the Virtual Solo Festival, with the following exceptions:
- Substitute percussion equipment can be utilized (see question below).
- Accompaniment is optional for all events (see question below for resources).
Who is eligible to participate in the Virtual Solo Festival?
Any student that meets WSMA Solo & Ensemble Festival eligibility requirements may participate in the Virtual Solo Festival. Students that did not have the opportunity to perform at their scheduled festival (for any reason) may register for the District Level Virtual Solo Festival.
Students who received a starred first (*1) at their district festival or a starred first (*1) in the District Level Virtual Solo Festival may register for the State Virtual Solo Festival.
What about percussion? I don't have access to equipment.
WSMA understands that not all students will have access to percussion equipment during this time. To accommodate more student performances, the following Festival Rule modifications have been made and do not require special permission. Please include substitutions in the student introduction.
- Any mallet solo can be performed on any mallet instrument.
- Parade drum solos may be performed on a concert snare drum.
- Multiple percussion solos may utilize any comparable instrument: xylophone for marimba, concert snare for parade drum, etc…
Do I need accompaniment for my solo?
For the Virtual Solo 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 a 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)
Do I need to provide an original piece of music for the adjudicator?
All festival rules still apply; students can upload a PDF of the music using the app and instructions provided here.
Do I still have to submit a 'classical' vocal solo in order to submit a music theater solo?
All festival rules still apply; students are required to submit a classical solo in addition to their music theater solo at the District level.
Can I enter an ensemble in the Virtual Solo Festival?
WSMA strongly recommends that all participants follow CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19. If accommodations can be made ensuring the safety and best interest of all parties involved, WSMA will consider the event through an appeals process. This will allow us to have a better sense of the scope of requests and devise a plan. Please be patient as we work through the planning logistics.
- Pre-recorded performances are allowed.
- Teachers may submit an appeal request by following this link.
I have a recording of my performance, but it doesn't include an introduction. Can I still submit it?
Yes! The introduction is not included on the rubric or considered in performance evaluation. You may submit the video as is.
Can I register an event as Comments Only? I'm just interested in feedback, but no rating.
To request that an entry be Comment Only (no rating), please register the event normally and then complete the Request for Comment Only. Request must be received the same day as the registration.
Are Virtual Solo Festival events eligible for Exemplary Performance Nominations and Awards?
WSMA Exemplary Performance Recognition may not be available for the Virtual Solo Festival. WSMA Program Directors will provide guidance to adjudicators around this. More information will be posted soon.
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.
I made a mistake entering my event information on the CS Music registration page. How can I fix it?
Please contact CS Music directly at Support@CSMusic.net.
I am a school music teacher, and I have questions about registration fees and/or billing the school directly.
Please check your email for a communication from Kerrie Brey, Finance Manager, sent on 3/23, 3/24 or 3/25. Still can’t find an answer? Email state@wsmamusic.org
