Although the band is already busy with practicing for their concert this spring, some students have taken up more responsibilities and challenged themselves and decided to do the Solo and Ensemble contest. Students have to play a song separate from the rest of their class either on their own, with a group of other players of the same instrument type, or they can do both. An example of one of the ensembles is a baritone, a French horn, and a trombone.

The Solo and Ensemble Contest is on February 3rd. The young musicians will be rated either bronze, silver, or gold, depending on how well the judges decide they do at playing their song. Instead of going up against others for their contest, it is simply trying to challenge the musicians to do their best. The judges are often band teachers or retired band teachers.

One of the students in solo and ensemble is Anna Roeske. Anna plays the Trombone for Lewis Cass Junior High Cadet Band. Anna is doing a solo for the contest, her solo is called Rozanite. We asked Anna why she joined the solo and ensemble, and how she felt about it. Anna said, “I think solo and ensemble is a great way to increase your musical skills and it’s fun to have a challenge every year.” 

You can tell that most of the students join solo and ensemble for the same reasons. Most of them join it for the experience. Others join solo and ensemble for an extra thing to do. Over all of the other reasons it helps create friendships, and long term relationships between different instrument players.

Now you know if you see one or only a few band members playing in separate rooms from the rest of class, they are probably working on their upcoming contest. Good luck to any band members doing the contest.