WHAT IS SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL?​
An opportunity for students to do something outside of the large ensemble experience, this festival allows students to pick a solo and/or a duet or trio to rehearsal and perform.  Choosing from a wide library of classical music solos and small ensembles, students can pick the repertoire they perform.  Students will have some time in class to work on their repertoire and receive feedback from one of our instructors, however, the bulk of the responsibility is on them to work up the music.

On the days of the festival, we bring in a judge who will listen to the students perform.  The judge will offer critiques and award a rating of 1 to 5.  1, or “Superior”, is the highest rating.  Students that receive a “Superior” rating will receive a medal on our Spring Concert.  From those students, a select number will be invited to perform at our Solo & Ensemble Recital on April 15.  Performing on the Recital is completely optional but a great experience they won't want to miss out on!  The Concert will follow a quick 6:30 pm Booster Meeting.  

Students can sometimes be nervous about doing this festival.  I try to remind them that they will perform for one judge in a room with no audience, which is much less intimidating than any check-off or playing test they do on a regular basis in front of the entire class!  The lessons learned and pride taken in preparing music on their own, along with feedback that they will receive from the expert judge is invaluable!

• *Optional* but highly recommended for all 7th & 8th and all ability levels
• No auditions required to participate
• Parents complete online registration on LSU's website
• $75 fee to participate

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This combines all the best elements of an Honor Band and Band Camp into a three day event.  Our students that have attended have had a great experience performing in the LSU facilities, seeing the LSU Wind Ensemble perform, and being coached by LSU staff and students.  This year's middle school conductor will even be Ms. Patti Roussel, retired EAHS Conductor! 

There is no audition to make the group, you must simply sign-up and pay the registration fee ($75) no later than January 22.  Once registered, there will be a seating test when you get there to determine what part you will play in the ensemble.  

• *Optional* but highly recommended for top performers in 7th & 8th grade
• No auditions required to participate
• E-mail Ms. Codina to be nominated
• $60 fee if selected

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This is a summer honor band/band camp event in which students rehearse and perform with a band of the best middle school students from throughout the State of Louisiana.  This is widely regarded as a step-up from District Honor Band.  Band Directors are asked to nominate their all-star students and then LBA chooses, based on a point system, who will participate in the band.  Students accumulate points for superior solo performances, participation in honor bands, superior band performances, etc.  Nomination is not a guarantee for selection.
 
Unlike District Honor Band, you are completely on your own to organize accommodations and transportation for this event.  Many students are usually selected from CMS, so carpooling is a possibility.  Students selected are responsible for the costs of hotel, meals, transportation, and the participation fee of $60 per person
 
I have sent students for years to this honor band and they truly enjoy it.  I will notify you if your child is selected sometime in March/April.  All I need from you at this time is a commitment for your student to participate in this event IF your child is selected.  
 
E-mail Ms. Codina at katie.codina@apsb.org NLT than January 24 to be nominated!