Solo & Ensemble

Solo and Ensemble is an Adjudicated Event sanctioned by the Ohio Music Education Association. This event is a festival in which students perform solos and small ensembles for a judge that gives them a rating from 1-5 with a 1 (Superior) being the top level of achievement. It is not a competitive event in which students perform for trophies or are ranked in order of “how they finish.” Each performance lasts 4-6 minutes. Soloists perform with a piano accompanist, which helps them improve their ability to play with a steady beat, learn correct musical style, and develop good intonation. Students participating in small ensembles gain rhythmic independence, listening skills, teamwork, and leadership opportunities. In addition to ratings, judges provide written comments emphasizing areas of accomplishment and suggestions for improvement. OMEA presents certificates to all participants and award ribbons for solos and small ensemble performances receiving 1 or 2 ratings. All seventh and eighth grade band and orchestra students are encouraged to participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival.

District Honor Band

Each December, Mason Middle School band students are invited to audition for positions in the two Ohio Music Educators District XIII Junior High Honor Bands. District XIII consists of schools from Butler, Clinton, Preble and Warren counties and any student attending a Junior/Middle School in these counties are eligible to audition. There will be separate 7th and 8th grade Honor Bands selected which will rehearse and perform during one weekend in January. The audition consists of a prepared piece, scales and a short sight reading selection. Auditions are judged by area band directors. Students who are accepted into the 7th or 8th Grade Honor Bands will be notified the week following their audition. Mason Middle School band students are encouraged, not required, to audition for the Honor Bands.

District Honor Orchestra

Every February, Ohio Music Education Association District XIII sponsors a Junior High Honor Orchestra. The event is held on a Friday evening and Saturday one weekend in February. Students in Butler, Clinton, Preble and Warren counties are selected for participation by a nomination process based on the students individual merit and instrumentation. Upon acceptance, students will be required to audition for their chair during the first night of Honor Orchestra weekend. Auditions material will include previously received honor orchestra music that will be rehearsed and prepared prior to the event.

Large Group Adjudicated Event

Ohio Music Education Association sanctions an event in which concert bands and orchestras may play for judges’ comments and ratings from 1-5 with a 1 (Superior) being the top level of achievement. This is an event that develops students’ ensemble playing, listening skills, teamwork, and leadership skills. Judges prepare taped commentaries and written comments for each performing ensemble. Mason Middle School band and orchestra ensembles may participate in this event if instrumentation and scheduling allows. Ensembles that receive a 1 or 2 rating at Large Group Festival are awarded a certificate.