Shelbyville Middle School Choir Director Mrs. Ray-Scott
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Each year, almost 90,000 music students from throughout Indiana participate in the annual Solo and Ensemble Contest sponsored by the Indiana State School Music Association. SMS strongly supports the participation of our music students in Solo and Ensemble.
This year, the Vocal and Piano Contest for our area (Zone 8) will be held on Saturday, January 29 from 8:30 AM until about 3:00. Students need appear only for their own events.
Where is the event held?
The site for our contest is Columbus East High School.
Pianos are moved into several of the classrooms and the performances take place there.
Where do I go to make entry?
Entries must be made through your choir director. Listen in class for deadlines. They are absolute. Late entries are NOT accepted by ISSMA.
How do I get there?
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event.
Rides are available for those who need them from the several participants from SMS. (SHS also will have students attending who may be able to help with rides.)
What can I enter?
Students may enter as solo singers or, with instructor’s recommendation, in small ensembles of three or more singers. Pianists who have private teachers may enter as soloists.
Where do we get suitable music?
Mrs. Ray-Scott or Mrs. Crosby will select music that is appropriate for contest and that fits your developing voice. If you have a private vocal instructor they will make the selection. School music must be returned in good condition after contest.
Who makes up a good ensemble?
When getting an ensemble together, think first of the tone quality of the students you wish to ask to be sure that the blend of your voices will be good. Then, consider the level of responsibility of the students you are including. Your group must be able to agree upon and keep after-school rehearsal appointments and attend the contest. Ensembles may not perform if parts are missing or the number of students in the group is not the right number for your category of entry.
How and what do I win?
Entries are judged at their own levels, beginning, intermediate, etc. It is possible for all entries to receive first, or superior, ratings.
Entries who receive first, second, or third ratings receive blue/gold, red/silver, or white/bronze medals, respectively. Students also receive the judge’s comment sheet at school on the following Monday.
What is the cost?
A small entry fee is charged to help defray the expenses of putting on the event. Soloists pay a $10.00 entry fee, each member of an ensemble pays a $5.00 fee. These fees pay for all of the amenities we enjoy at contest: piano rental, moving, and tuning, judge’s fees, medals, site costs, paperwork, etc. These fees are non-refundable.
After-School Rehearsal
Students who enter vocal contest must be prepared to stay after school several times for coaching from your instructor. Caution: When you have made an after-school appointment with your instructor, be sure to 1) keep the appointment faithfully 2) be prepared to demonstrate your progress and 3) have a ride ready and waiting at the appointed ending time of your rehearsal.
What about accompaniment?
Vocal solos and most small ensembles must be performed with piano accompaniment. This enables you to perform the piece as intended by the composer. To find a suitable accompanist, think of adults you know who play well enough to perform your accompaniment in a manner that gives you confidence. When requesting someone to accompany you, make it clear that you will need to rehearse with them several times before your performance date and that they, of course, must appear with you at the contest. If you know of no pianists who can perform with you, ask your teacher for recommendations.
Pianists often request a small fee for this service, as many capable accompanists make their living teaching piano. These fees are normally very low when compared to their regular lesson rates. They do this as a favor to our students, because they are very supportive of the advancement of our students through this contest experience. SMS is very grateful for the assistance provided by our local piano instructors and others. We treat our accompanists with great respect.
Who are the judges?
The contest is judged by teachers of voice, choir, and piano from other areas. These persons know what to expect from students at all levels of development. Their important job is to make valuable comments on your performance to help you know how to improve.
What should I wear? Who can go hear me?
Students should dress nicely for the contest. Wear an outfit that looks great on you that would be appropriate for church or attending a wedding or other special event.
The atmosphere at contest is quiet but informal. Parents and friends may enter the room and hear your performance or that of any other participant(s) at contest. Just be sure to enter the room before or after any entry performs.
Why should we attend?
Performing at contest is the best way we have of guiding our vocal and piano students personally toward our goals for creating fine young musicians. Many parents have commented on the positive change in their student’s performing skills after contest participation. Your SMS music instructors strongly encourage your participation in this huge and important event.
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