NYSSMA SOLO/ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL INFORMATION 2011

Dates and locations:

Solo/Ensembles Levels 1-6

Smithtown Central School District Festival  - April 27 & 28, 2011

All-State Solos

Sachem Central School District - Area 5 Festival - April 1 & 2, 2011

Jazz/Guitar/Drum Set Levels 1-6 including All-State Jazz Solos

West Islip School District - April 8 & 9, 2011

 Registration deadline - January 14, 2011

What is NYSSMA?

Many of our student musicians perform in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo and Ensemble festival each year.  Students may perform more than one instrument (or voice) and solo/ensemble composition.  If a student performs as a soloist, he/she must prepare scales from memory, sight-read eight measures of music and perform a solo from the official NYSSMA manual before an official NYSSMA adjudicator. The resultant ratings for levels I-IV are:  O (outstanding), E (excellent), G (good), F (fair).  Ratings for levels V-VI are determined by an overall numerical performance score which converts to a letter grade.  Each student will receive his or her own adjudication sheet that explains the grade.  Students that perform in an ensemble (duets, trios, etc.) are only responsible for performing the selected piece of music.  Students who receive high ratings may be eligible to receive a medal for their efforts.

Why should students perform at NYSSMA?

Students receive a written evaluation/rubric which provides constructive criticism and positive reinforcement about their performance.  The solo/ensemble performance is conducted by an adjudicator who specializes on the student’s particular instrument.  This authentic assessment can be used for self-reflection and personal growth.  The evaluation is also used by music teachers to assist with student nominations for possible acceptance into All-County, All-State and All-Eastern performing groups.

What is All-County, All-State, All-Eastern?

Select All-County performing groups are sponsored by the NYSCAME and SCMEA music associations.  Students in grades five through twelve are selected from nomination lists which have been submitted by music teachers throughout Suffolk County.  Honor groups are formed by divisions. (Grades 5&6, 7&8, 9&10, 11&12)  Each group rehearses for three days and performs a concert.  Although performing at NYSSMA is not required for All-County nominations, participation is highly recommended.

Students in their sophomore and junior years of high school are eligible to be selected to for the NYSSMA All-State performing groups.  Students must perform a level VI solo (the highest level) and must be accompanied by a pianist.  Students with very high marks are nominated by school music teachers to be considered for selection into an All-State performing ensemble. The NYSSMA All-State Festival is typically held the week following Thanksgiving vacation and lasts for three days.

Students that participate in a NYSSMA All-State performing group may also be nominated to participate in the bi-annual MENC All-Eastern honors performing groups.  This is the highest honor a school music student can achieve. 

Should I participate in NYSSMA?

Performing a NYSSMA solo/ensemble is optional. Students should select a piece of music and begin preparing months in advance of the performance date.  Your teacher can help recommend a musical selection to perform.  Students should be motivated to participate and have an established practice routine to do their best.  Although it is not required for students to have a private teacher to participate, it is not uncommon for this to be a consideration.  Limited time is available during the school day to help all students prepare NYSSMA solos.  Students must be in first grade before they can begin to participate in NYSSMA.  It is recommended that students dress nice, but comfortable for the performance.  

If you are interested in performing a NYSSMA solo or ensemble, please consult with your music teacher or contact the District Music Office at 382-2760 early in the school year.