More than 400 students performed at the 2018 District 64 Solo & Ensemble Festival. Band students performed on February 15, while orchestra students performed on March 6; Lincoln MIddle School hosted both evenings.
The Festival is an annual opportunity for students to showcase their talents in front of family and friends. Students perform a solo on their instrument or join forces with other students to participate in a duet, trio, or quartet or as a larger ensemble.
The student musicians select and practice their music in advance, so that it's refined and ready to be played for a small, appreciative audience of family and friends as well as a judge.
The judge listens and provides a written evaluation of the performance, and rates the student(s) on such factors as instrument hold, tone, correct notes, and appearance, along with offering feedback on ways to improve. Afterwards, students receive a medal based on their performance and rating in the festival.
It is a low-stress way to challenge students to perform while allowing them to gain valuable experience and confidence on their instrument, according to D64's Instrumental Music Department.
Congratulations to all who participated in this year's event!
PHOTO: Playing before a small audience, Emerson's Chamber Orchestra ensemble earned a "superior gold" medal and a perfect score from the judge this year!
