• Solo & Ensemble Contest | Saturday, April 26, 2025
    DCMS - 19001 Beechnut St, Richmond, TX, 77407

    The UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest is an opportunity for our musicians to perform a prepared solo before a judge. All performers that earn the "Superior" score from their judge will be awarded with a medal. This contest is for all students in a performing FSMS ensemble; it is not for our students in the Beginning Orchestra courses. Participation is highly encouraged!

    • ENSEMBLES (Camerata, Concertino, & Philharmonic) must email Ms. Spencer with their proposed group members by Friday, February 21.
    • SOLO entries are due Friday, March 7. Solo entries must be completed through the online forms linked on this page.

    Directors have final approval on solo selection, ensemble groupings, and participation.

     

    CONTEST GUIDELINES
    - Students must play selections that are currently on the Texas University Interscholastic League Prescribed Music List.
    - Students may perform in a total of 3 EVENTS:

    • Solo (max 2; must be done on different instruments)
    • Ensemble (max 2; must play different music in each group)
    • Piano solo (you must do a string solo to be able to do this)

    COPYRIGHT LAWS
    - Students MUST OWN the original music and make sure it is the proper edition listed in the Prescribed Music List.     If a student is playing a solo from a Suzuki Book or a specific book, then that student must OWN the Suzuki Book or the specific edition the PML requires. Not owning the original source of music is violating copyright and may result in a disqualification or possible legal action.
    - All solos must have a piano accompanist unless the music states it is not required. Harp and piano solos do not require an accompanist. Check with your directors to verify if your music needs piano accompaniment.
    ENSEMBLE GUIDELINES
    - Any students wishing to perform in an ensemble will be responsible for forming their own group, scheduling weekly rehearsal times, and securing a rehearsal space.
    - Students will be responsible for finding Texas PML-approved music on their own or playing the assigned music from their directors.
    - All ensembles must consist of at least 3 members.
    - All ensembles must be approved by directors.
    DRESS AND UNIFORM
    - Students are to perform solo while dressed in nice dress clothes. This could be the formal FSMS Orchestra concert uniform (concert black). No shorts or sneakers allowed.
    SCHOOL ACCOMPANIST
    - The school accompanist will be available to students on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will be allowed to sign up for a rehearsal AFTER they have turned in their envelope with payment for the accompanist AND turned in a copy of the piano accompaniment for their solo.
    - Grade 1 Solo = $50
    - Grade 2 Solo = $25
    - Grade 3 Solo = $15
    CONTEST FEES
    - Your Orchestra Fee for this year covered your $15 solo entry fee.
    - Ensembles from Camerata, Concertino, and Philharmonic agree to pay the $10 Ensemble Entry Fee PER MEMBER.