Solo Contest

Dear band parents and students,

            We have had a great year so far, and it’s hard to believe that the end is near!  We have only a few short months left of school but we have a lot left to accomplish.  We still get to perform as a group in our spring concerts this May, but this letter is to discuss something different- our annual solo contest. 

The South Dakota Grade School Instrumental Solo Contest will again be held at Brandon Valley this year.  It will take place on Saturday, April 21.  It is a regional contest, so in addition to Brandon Valley students, several other schools may be participating.  The contest begins at 8:00am and concludes around 4:00 in the afternoon.  The judges are band directors and specialists from surrounding communities and they will be assigned to certain instruments and grade levels.  For example, one judge will get to hear all the sixth grade clarinet players.  That way, the judge will be able to compare students’ abilities and be consistent in awarding ribbons.  It is possible for every student to receive a Superior rating at contest, and to earn top honors, every student will need to do their best job to be prepared.  Parents can be a big help by encouraging their students to put in extra practice time to achieve the goal that we have for our students:  that they play to the very best of their abilities, regardless of the rating they may receive.  Here is some other information you need to know:

• Every student in the band program is required to participate in solo contest.
• Every student will need to find a piano player to accompany the solo.  You may use someone you know, and we have included a list of players on the back of this letter if you do not know a pianist.  The piano music will be handed out in late March.  In addition to those names on the back, there are many high school students willing to play for students.  Many students know someone from church who plays.  Parents, if you play, this is a wonderful way to share a musical experience with your child, and middle school solos usually have a fairly easy piano part.  Percussionists will not need a pianist.  We’re always looking for good accompanists, so if you know of someone who may be willing to help out, please let us know!  If accompanist fees create a financial hardship for your family, please let us know.  Funds have been set aside to offset these costs.
• We will have an in-school recital week prior to the contest.  This gives each student the opportunity to perform their solo for a guest clinician.  Our guest clinicians this year are Mr. Bruce Wildes and Mr. Bob Goheen.  The piano player is not required to attend the recital. 
• Students who begin practicing now will have a better chance at success than those who try to cram their practicing in the last few weeks prior to contest.  Most solos are divided into three or four sections, and we will begin by working on one section a week.  Encourage your student to practice the solo about 20 minutes per day.  After the third or fourth week the solo will be ready to rehearse with the accompanist.  Even though they may be anxious to practice with their accompanist, we encourage students to wait until they have learned the entire solo.  If not, it can be frustrating and time consuming for everyone involved.
• If you have scheduling concerns, please let Mrs. Baker know as soon as possible so that we can make arrangements for that.  We will honor all requests made before April 10th.  After that date, we cannot guarantee a time change will be possible.  On contest day, we ask that students be ready 10-15 minutes early for their scheduled time slot.
• Dress clothes should be worn for solo contest.  This means no jeans, t-shirts or sweatshirts with writing, etc.  Please dress as you would for a band concert.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support of your student in solo contest.  We are looking forward to working with you and your child on this project.  We believe that it will be a challenging, rewarding, enjoyable, and educational musical experience for your child.  If you have any questions regarding this contest, please let us know.  Contact us via email at Laura.C.Baker@k12.sd.us or Jesse.Miller@k12.sd.us or by phone at 582-3214.

Piano Accompanists

Donna Schwartz - 360-6265

Denise Edwards - 582-7779

Susan Heezen - 582-7167

Deanna Wehrspann - 357-8825

Yona Weinberg - 338-1163

Gayle Strand - 335-1098

Gea Gjesdal - 334-7071

Janice Noonan - 582-6209

Kristie Happeny - 351-0562

Many of these pianists take a limited number of students. 

Please call early to ensure that your students get to work with the pianist of your choice.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

April 10-13:     Recital Week

April 14:          Turkey Supper (7^th, 8^th, Jazz bands only)

April 21:          Solo Contest – All Day

May 3:             6^th Grade Band and Choir Concert – 7:45

May 6:             Brandon Loyalty Day Parade (7^th and 8^th only) – 2:00

May 11:           7^th and 8^th and Jazz Band Concert – 7:45