On March 1st, many students that take a music class as an elective, at CHS, participated in the Solo and Small Ensemble Festival, held at Florissant Valley Community College. It is something that the music teachers at CHS recommend that students do.

“This festival is an important part of a performer’s musical advancement,” the orchestra teacher at CHS, Julie Hoffman said. “It teaches musicianship on a smaller scale, yet in a more demanding way. This experience helps everyone become a better musician.”

In order to prepare for this competition, students had to do many things. First, they have to decide what event they want to do and see what music’s on the state list that they could play for the event. Then they have to practice their part in their own time, and if they’re in an ensemble, they have find times to practice with their ensemble. If they’re a soloist, they have to schedule times with. The success of the performer depends on the amount of effort and time the student put into their solo or their ensemble.

In order to advance to state, students must obtain a one at the district level of this festival. To do this, the students have to play well, although they can afford to make a few small mistakes here and there. “Have as close to a flawless performance [to get a one]. Mistakes are going to happen, however the judges know that nervousness plays into the performance. They can tell when a piece has been prepared and the performer has mastered the music,” Hoffman said, “There are three grades of music difficulty and a student may perform any grade to advance if the performance is of its highest quality.”

This year, there are many students going to the state festival, due to the many students who participated in the district festival this year.