Solo & Ensemble MPA

Information

Solo & Ensemble Music Performance Assessment (MPA) is a valuable experience for every orchestra student.

Each student will prepare a solo (required) and/or an ensemble (optional) to perform for an adjudicator.

I am happy to listen to and provide feedback for your solo or ensemble ahead of time.

Do not wait until the last minute.

See Mr. Stott for a list of accompanists.

Music Requirements for Solo & Ensemble MPA

A. The choice of music is at the discretion of each Director and does not need to be taken from any set list at this time. (See FOA suggested list on the website.)

B. Solo and Ensemble literature should be of a caliber appropriate to the level of the student performing, and to the formality of the event. Broadway show tunes, Disney songs, or movie themes are not acceptable for an event of this type, and will result in an entry being disqualified.

C. Solo or Ensemble music should be less than 8 minutes in length. If the music selectedis longer, directors are expected to make appropriate cuts in the music. If cuts are not made the adjudicator will stop the performance.

D. Photocopied scores/parts are not permissible unless the director has received in writing a letter from the Publisher (not a vendor) giving permission to

photocopy the score for that dated event. Directors must provide a copy of the letter for the judge. Failure to provide written notification from the publisher will result in disqualification of the event.

E. For Solo performance there are to be three (3) original copies of the music in the performance room, one original each for the judge, accompanist, and performer.

F. All measures are to be numbered on the judges’ music, as well as the performer’s music. Failure to provide numbered music for the judge will result in disqualification of the event.

G. All Solos must be performed with accompaniment if one is written. Pre-recorded accompaniments are allowed. However, it is up to that director to provide the

necessary equipment.

H. The maximum number of participants in an ensemble is 11 members.

I. Full ensemble scores, if published, must be provided to the judge with all measures numbered. If there is no published score then each original part must be provided for the judge.

J. Ensembles with six (6) or more members may be conducted by their director.

K. All ensembles must be complete as scored.

L. Orchestra music used for ensemble performance may not be performed by that school’s orchestra in the same year for a Concert MPA.