<p>Welcome to the thread, Deb! Boy does that bring back memories. My middle S participated in his first S&E in middle school. I play piano (and taught it), and have accompanied many kids, including my own. However, S was playing a Mozart Horn Concerto with a difficult accompaniment. We went into the audition room, and I was faced with a tiny, cheap, 4 octave keyboard propped up on a couple desks! The whole setup shook when played, forget dynamics, and there weren't enough keys. S played well - got a Superior, but had a critical judge who lectured him on the fact that he hadn't tuned to the keyboard first! I walked out of the room and broke down. I remember yelling at the band director for the lousy set-up, and he put his arms around me and let me cry! 7 years later we're still friends. :)</p>
<p>When my kids were younger (and played simpler pieces!) I loved accompanying them, because it let me into festivals and auditions and such that would have otherwise shut me out. But now I gladly pay the money to have someone unrelated (and more talented) in the room with them. Even the "little" auditions matter, in that they can be a great confidence booster, a learning experience, and give motivation to practicing, too.</p>
<p>Best wishes to your D -- and to you, too! You didn't say what instrument your D plays; otherwise, I'd say "break a lip" or "break a string" or something.</p>
<p>Solo and Ensemble is big around these parts in both voice and instrument. There is a nice prize at the end of the road, if you are a finalist. In this state, they pick only 5 to "win" the opportunity to play/sing with an orchestra at a huge Gala concert held in their honor. The judges choose 4 instrumetalists and ONE singer. There are also two choral groups who perform in this concert. It's a popular event attend by many, many people. </p>
<p>I have accompanied for years, but only voice so far. I just love working with the students. I have to be one of the luckiest people around because I get to go to all the S&E events and have a front row seat, at the piano.</p>
<p>All the best to all you S&E participants!! Let us know how it goes.</p>
<p>binx, Oh the joys of being a parent accompanist at middle and high school solo & ensemble! Thanks for sharing your story. I accompanied my trumpet playing son for the last time last year, and was thrilled to pay a professional this year. I also teach and am hired by the school district to accompany, but it's different when it's your own child. </p>
<p>gkoukla, I agree it's really quite fun getting to work with other people's children and students at this time of year. Good luck to everyone.</p>
<p>Thanks for the encouragement! I loved your story Binx, got to love those set ups for S&E's.</p>
<p>My D plays the flute. Last year she played a flute and picc solo. When the flute solo went horribly wrong (Bach Flute Sonata #4) she sobbed uncontrollably the entire ride home and never found out how her picc solo went. A very nice flute friend came up to us and congratulated my D on her picc solo, she'd received the coveted 1 on her picc! But she has never played that Bach piece again.</p>
<p>I think that S & E is a great way for kids to gain experience for auditions. There is not a lot of risk involved. Kids want to do well, but it won't affect their grades or class standing or anything else if they do poorly. I think all kids should do S&E no matter what they plan to do with music after high school. The skills learned through that process are valuable in many areas.</p>
<p>Just back from S&E and she got a Superior! Yeah! She's very happy and glad for it to be over. This week is District Honor Band, no rest for the weary. She's happy, she's sitting 4th chair which is great for her and sitting with flute friends all around.</p>
<p>Our son received an acceptance EMAIL for Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University this morning. </p>
<p>It also had an attachment invitation to visit during classes/rehearsals over the next month.
That's a valuable opportunity for the kids to see if the program could be right for them. Hope he checks it out!</p>
<p>Solo & Ensemble contests held in every state by the Music Educators Association. For singers & instrumentalists--they perform a solo from a list of "approved" solos and get adjudicated by music teachers. It's great b/c you get comments & feedback from someone other than your own teacher. Small ensembles can also perform; there is a separate date for large ensembles (at least in Ohio.)</p>
<p>In this state there are no "prizes" or "winners"--only the satisfaction of doing your personal best, hopefully. Scores range from 5 to 1, 1 being the best. Generally if your teacher or choir/band director encourages you to do this, you are in good enough shape to get a 1, 2, or 3. Don't recall seeing any scores lower than that recently.</p>
<p>I should have chosen a different name--on this thread I'm starting to see myself coming & going!
My son got a 1 at S & E this weekend, but he's not going to be a music major, just sings (very nicely) for fun. I enjoy playing for him, but it is true that I don't really get to see him perform, as I'm sort of busy myself!</p>