Solo and Ensemble
Students wished to advance to Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC) which is held in May at the University of Texas, must prepare a Class 1 solo or ensemble and receive and 1 (Superior rating) at the regional Solo and Ensemble Contest. Class 1 solos must be memorized except those that are on the Non Memorization List to advance to TSSEC.
- Solo and Ensemble Contest will take place at Stony Point High School on January 25, 2025. Performance times will be assigned to students for both solos and ensembles competing.
- Deadline to submit entry forms and fees is Friday, December 13, 2024 to either Ms. Keith. or Mr. Carter
- Forms are included on this page.
- Links to accompanists are also on this page. Students must perform with an accompanist if the music requires it.
- Students must use music from the Texas UIL Prescribed Music List (PML) and follow all specifications and requirements including movements performed, editions and publishers and any other requirements listed. Class 1 is the most difficult, Class 3 is the easiest.
- All students competing must be UIL eligible according to the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules and the RRISD Eligibility Calendar.
Students wished to advance to Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC) which is held in May at the University of Texas, must prepare a Class 1 solo or ensemble and receive and 1 (Superior rating) at the regional Solo and Ensemble Contest. Class 1 solos must be memorized except those that are on the Non Memorization List to advance to TSSEC.
Pianists
Starting this 2024-25 school year, piano events will be part of the UIL Vocal and Piano Solo and Ensemble Contest. This contest has a separate date, location, and sponsor than the String Contest. The choir teacher is usually the sponsor of this event. Ms. Keith will sponsor it this year (2024-25) only. Please closely read the instructions below because pianists have a separate entry form attached below.
Students wished to advance to Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC) which is held in May at the University of Texas, must prepare a Class 1 solo or ensemble and receive and 1 (Superior rating) at the regional Solo and Ensemble Contest. Class 1 solos must be memorized except those that are on the Non Memorization List to advance to TSSEC.
Starting this 2024-25 school year, piano events will be part of the UIL Vocal and Piano Solo and Ensemble Contest. This contest has a separate date, location, and sponsor than the String Contest. The choir teacher is usually the sponsor of this event. Ms. Keith will sponsor it this year (2024-25) only. Please closely read the instructions below because pianists have a separate entry form attached below.
- Solo and Ensemble Contest will take place at Westwood High School on February, 1st 2025. Performance times will be assigned to students for both solos and ensembles competing.
- Deadline to submit entry forms and fees is Friday, December 13, 2024 to either Ms. Keith. or Mr. Carter.
- Forms are included on this page.
- Students must use music from the Texas UIL Prescribed Music List (PML) and follow all specifications and requirements including movements performed, editions and publishers and any other requirements listed. Class 1 is the most difficult, Class 3 is the easiest.
- All students competing must be UIL eligible according to the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules and the RRISD Eligibility Calendar.
Students wished to advance to Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC) which is held in May at the University of Texas, must prepare a Class 1 solo or ensemble and receive and 1 (Superior rating) at the regional Solo and Ensemble Contest. Class 1 solos must be memorized except those that are on the Non Memorization List to advance to TSSEC.
Why do Solo and Ensemble?
Participation in Solo and Ensemble can help a student gain confidence in their own playing. The goal of a student in an orchestra setting is very different that when a student is working on a solo where their goal is solely for their own musical journey. A student can focus on the type of music they want to perform (e.g. slow and somber or fast and exciting) to help them grow as a musician.
In working in a small ensemble allows students to work as a team to present a finished project. These student must learn their own part individually and then rehearse together to learn how everyone else's part fits with their own. The camaraderie of working on a piece of music with one's friends and classmates is very rewarding and students will reap the benefits of ensemble playing in both their solo work and their orchestral work as well.
Participation in Solo and Ensemble can help a student gain confidence in their own playing. The goal of a student in an orchestra setting is very different that when a student is working on a solo where their goal is solely for their own musical journey. A student can focus on the type of music they want to perform (e.g. slow and somber or fast and exciting) to help them grow as a musician.
In working in a small ensemble allows students to work as a team to present a finished project. These student must learn their own part individually and then rehearse together to learn how everyone else's part fits with their own. The camaraderie of working on a piece of music with one's friends and classmates is very rewarding and students will reap the benefits of ensemble playing in both their solo work and their orchestral work as well.
Make your plans for Solo and Ensemble!
Solo
- Choose your solo! PML
- What does it sound like? YouTube
- Where can I buy my solo? (Yes, you need an original to perform at Solo and Ensemble) Here
- Hire your accompanist! Accompanists (you are welcome to find your own)!
- Number the measures of your piano part and then send your accompanist the piano accompaniment!
- Turn in your form and fee (forms at the bottom of the page).
- Practice your solo! Use a metronome so you are accurate in giving the tempo to your accompanist. Number your measures for easier rehearsals. Metronome Metronome apps
- Set up rehearsals with accompanist. Let them know your metronome marking (s).
- Practice with your accompanist several times. Mark your music!
- Perform on the Pre-UIL Solo and Ensemble Recital on Wednesday, January 22nd at 6 or 7pm in the Orchestra Room (not required but a great idea). Practice bowing and announcing yourself and the piece you are performing with the composer's name accurately.
- Make sure you have an original piece of music that has all measures numbered for the judge.
- Perform at UIL Solo and Ensemble on Saturday, January 25th (Make sure you have the original for the judge.) Make sure you are and stay eligible!
Ensemble
- Choose your ensemble members! (Friends, classmates).
- Choose your ensemble piece (remember your members abilities and your time constraints)! PML What does it sound like? YouTube
- Where can we buy our music? Here
- What if it is public domain? IMSLP
- Set up your entire rehearsal schedule until performance; once a week rehearsals is a good expectation.
- Collect your fees and turn them in together with one form to your director. (Separate check for your ensemble). Forms are at the bottom of the page.
- Learn your part! Number your measures for easier rehearsals.
- Rehearse with your ensemble. Bring a metronome to rehearsal. Set tempo expectations for next week's rehearsal. Mark your music! Metronome Metronome apps
- Seek coaching help from either a private instructor or orchestra director.
- Perform on the Pre-UIL Solo and Ensemble Recital on Wednesday, 22nd at 6 or 7pm in the Orchestra Room (not required but a great idea). Practice bowing and announcing yourselves and the piece you are performing with the composer's name accurately.
- Make sure you have an original piece of music that has all measures numbered for the judge. Sometimes ensembles do not have a score so all of the parts should be numbered and given to a judge.
- Perform at UIL Solo and Ensemble on Saturday, January 25th (Make sure you have the original for the judge.) Make sure you are and stay eligible!
Resources
Prescribed Music List (PML)
List of Accompanists
Eligibility Calendar
UIL Rules regarding eligibility
Prescribed Music List (PML)
List of Accompanists
Eligibility Calendar
UIL Rules regarding eligibility
Entry forms
| Solo Form 2025 |
| Ensemble Form 2025 |
| Piano Solo Form 2025 |
| Piano Ensemble Form 2025 |