7th- and 8th-grade band students may choose to participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest each year. This event is sponsored by Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA)
Each year the schools in our conference take turns hosting Solo & Ensemble Contest. This year, Monona Grove hosted Solo & Ensemble Contest at Winnequah Middle School.
Students who participate in Solo & Ensemble Contest prepare a solo or small-group ensemble piece, usually beginning some time in January. Music is selected from a list chosen by WSMA. The music list is divided into three catagories: Class C - usually performed by students at their first Solo & Ensemble experience, Class B - Intermediate level music, and Class A - for experienced musicians, usually high school students or those taking private lessons. Students who play a Class A solo or ensemble and receive a 1* rating are qualified to participate in State Solo & Ensemble contest later in the spring.
On the day of Solo & Ensemble Contest, the students perform their piece for a judge who critiques them and gives them a rating using a rubric. The judge talks with the students after their performance, and tells them where their strengths were and how they can improve their musicianship.
At the end of the year, students will receive a medal that reflects the difficulty of their piece and the rating they received.