OMEA SOLO & ENSEMBLE CONTEST

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Pickerington North HS

Parent and student signatures are required for registration.

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

Yes, I would like to participate in the Ohio Music Education Association’s “Solo & Ensemble Contest.” I understand that even though some class time may be devoted to contest preparation and some help given through the school, preparation for the performance is my responsibility. I also understand that an honorarium and note of thanks to my accompanist is appropriate. If I choose to perform in an ensemble, I understand that others in the ensemble will be counting on my preparation and commitment. I also understand that taking the opportunity to see students from other schools perform is encouraged. Furthermore, I agree to follow the contest checklist so that I will be thoroughly prepared to perform in a manner that will bring pride to my school and me.

____________________ ______________________________ _________

PRINT NAME SIGNATURE DATE

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

The Ohio Music Education Association sponsors this annual event to give young musicians an opportunity to perform in an audition-like environment and to receive comments from professional musicians/educators, which will be helpful in developing better musicianship. Though it is organized through the school, it is a voluntary activity that is not directly related to the school. Columbus Academy will provide the entry fee but the participants will be responsible for any compensation/honorarium given to the accompanist as needed. Casey Cook-Westfall will be coming to Academy one time to rehearse. You are welcome to arrange your own accompanist if you wish. Applications and entry fees will be handled through the school. Honorariums should be given directly to your accompanist. Typically the fee is $20 for the rehearsal and an additional $20 for the performance.

This application is due to Mrs. Brooks by 11/30/09.

The Ohio Music Education Association prohibits video/audio recording or pictures of any performance. The event is open to the public. Audiences of parents and friends are encouraged.

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PARENT APPROVAL (must be signed)

My child has my permission to attend the OMEA Solo & Ensemble Contest on February 13th, 2010. I have read the information provided above and I, along with my son or daughter, understand the obligations and requirements.

_________________________ _________

SIGNATURE DATE

The host school will be

Pickerington North HS

A map will be issued later. School transportation will NOT be provided.

STUDENTS:

Check all that you are interested in doing.

_____ Solo: (voice, piano or both) ___________________

Are you studying with a private teacher? _____Yes _____ N o

***Soloists must have music for the accompanist and an ORIGINAL for the judge. Measures must be numbered.

_____ Ensemble

Female Ensemble, Male Ensemble (3-9 Voices)

Mixed Ensemble (4-12 voices)

Type: ____________________ Names: _______________________

_______________________________________________________

Please detach the front 2 sheets and return to Mrs. Brooks by November 30, 2009

SOLO & ENSEMBLE CHECKLIST

Keep this checklist to assist you with planning and learning your music for Solo and Ensemble.

Follow this checklist to an organized and successful Solo and Ensemble experience. If you plan to procrastinate and then cram at the last minute –please to not participate in this event. This takes time, patience and planning. Be prepared to put in the work needed to succeed.

Twelve - Ten Weeks Before Contest (Before Thanksgiving)

_ _ _ _ - Indicated your desire to participate in contest by returning the contest agreement to your director. Each member in an ensemble must turn in an agreement in order to be registered.

_ _ _ _ - Select music to be performed. Soloists need two copies of the music: one for you and your accompanist, and one for the judge. Your copy and the accompanist copy may be photocopied.

Title: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Composer: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Arranger (if applicable):_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Six Weeks Before Contest (before Winter Break)

_ _ _ _ - Place measure numbers on all copies of the music including the piano part and judge’s copy. Write “Columbus Academy Choir” on the cover of your music. (Number measures through without regard to repeats.)

_ _ _ _ - Retain an accompanist if needed and give him/her the music. Academy will provide an accompanist that you will be responsible for paying. $20 for rehearsal, $20 for the performance. If you want to use your awn accompanist – please let Mrs. Brook know their name so she can register them.

_ _ _ _ - Soloists: Set up at least one appointment with your accompanist in the month before the contest and one appointment just before the contest in order to practice. Casey Cook Westfall will be at Academy on a Saturday (TBA) in January. There will be a sign up for rehearsal times with her.

Ensembles: Learn your own part and set two weekly practice times each week from now until contest. Please do not wait until the last minute and hope you will get your part. You must put time into learning your pitches outside of class. Play yourself or find someone that can play your part to help you. You will also need to sign up for rehearsal time with your accompanist if your piece has a piano part.

Day & Times: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Five Weeks Before Contest (January 9)

_ _ _ _ - Verify with your director that you have been entered in the contest.

_ _ _ _ - Make arrangements for transportation to the contest site.

_ _ _ _ - Work on memorizing your music. Make sure you are taking note of dynamics and articulation markings.

Four Weeks Before Contest (January 16)

_ _ _ _ - Keep to your practice schedule.

_ _ _ _ - Memorize

Three Weeks Before Contest (January 23)

_ _ _ _ - Verify a time with your accompanist for at least one last practice with him/her prior to contest. Sign up in the choir room or if you are using your own – arrange your rehearsal.

_ _ _ _ Memorize

One Week Before Contest (February 6)

_ _ _ _ Rehearse with you accompanist and a “judge” – Mrs. Brooks or your private teacher

_ _ _ _ - Have your music learned well enough to be able to sing through without assistance.

_ _ _ _ - Pick up a schedule of contest events from your director. This will include your performance time and room, your warm-up room, and maps.

_ _ _ _ - Express your appreciation to your accompanist with payment for services. Remember, this person has spent a lot of time learning the skills necessary to be your accompanist. Payment at the last rehearsal is customary. The day of contest is busy and it would be easy for payment for be forgotten or lost.

If you have gotten this far, you are already a winner.

While a good score this Saturday would be a nice bonus, it really doesn’t matter since you’ve proven you have what it takes to succeed.

REALX AND BE CONFIDENT!!!

YOU HAVE DONE ALL YOU NEED TO DO & YOU HAVE DONE IT ON TIME.

GREAT JOB!!!

*************

Day Before Contest (February 12)

· Review contest rules. Please tell friends and family that no photographs or audio recordings are to be taken.

· Avoid last minute practicing. Take a few moments to warm-up and then stop singing. If you don’t know your music by now it’s too late to learn it. If you know it then singing with your nervousness today will only create mistakes and undermine your confidence. Spend this day relaxing, knowing you have all you can do to prepare.

The Day Of Contest (February 13)

· Prepare for the day by eating a good breakfast and dressing nicely. First impressions are important.

· Go to your warm-up room 35 minutes before your performance time.

· DO NOT SING OUTSIDE THE WARM-UP ROOM.

· Be in your performance room one event before yours. When it’s your turn, give a copy of the music to the judge or room monitor.

· After your performance, collect the music from the accompanist or ensembles members, thank your accompanist and wait by the door to receive the judge’s music.

· Listen to other performers from other schools while your rating gets posted. It will take about an hour to process the ratings.

CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE!!!