ISSMA Solo/Ensemble Contest Information – Strings AND Piano

Registration due: January 22nd 

Recordings due: February 27th

ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) holds several events throughout the year. One such event is the Solo/Ensemble Contest. This is a great opportunity for students to develop as musicians and be a part of a wonderful musical experience! Each participant will get a chance to play for a judge and receive a rating, along with positive feedback and helpful tips on how to improve their performance.  This year, the event is virtual; students will record their performance and submit it via an app. The judge will then watch the performance and provide that rating and feedback back to the student.

The ratings are based on what “Group,” or level in which you enter.  Group 5 is for beginners/students participating in the contest for the first time.  Group 1 is for very advanced students and is usually used by high school juniors and seniors.  Most of our Riverside students will compete in Groups 3-5.  Each student’s Group will be determined by the student’s private teacher (or Mrs. Kitchell if needed).

Due to the virtual nature of school and ISSMA this year, I am only promoting the solo aspect of this event. It is far more difficult for students to rehearse small ensembles together (there are no duets, ISSMA only allows groups from 3 players and up), and I cannot support that idea given our current situation. If you are deeply committed to performing an ensemble piece this year, please fill out the form below and contact Mrs. Kitchell to discuss.

Nearly all students who participate in ISSMA SOLO are taking private lessons. The private teacher helps the student choose their music and Group level. Mrs. Kitchell can help if needed. Students may use an accompanist if they wish; securing an accompanist is your responsibility, and should be done as soon as possible, to give the pianist time to learn the music.

There is a cost to ISSMA Solo/Ensemble as well. Solo entries are $15.00 each. Ensemble entries are $7.00 per ensemble members.  Payment must be submitted to Riverside (cash, or checks to RJH) by the registration deadline. Payment can be dropped off at school anytime; if we return to in-person instruction, students may bring payment directly to me.

 

If you are interested in participating in ISSMA Solo/Ensemble this year, please fill out the Microsoft Form below. Please reach out to Mrs. Kitchell with any questions (jkitchell@hse.k12.in.us).

All students wishing to participate should fill out this form – string players AND piano students. This form must be submitted by Friday, January 22nd. Payment must also be submitted by that time!