solo & small ensemble festivals

What are solo / ensemble festivals?

These festivals are for soloist and small group ensembles to perform at and be adjudicated by SCSBOA judges. These judges are typically high school and college music professors. The Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) is a non-profit organization whose active membership is drawn primarily from educational institutions: elementary schools, junior high/middle schools, senior high schools, colleges and universities. Additional membership includes students and others (private instructors, business establishments) who are active in the musical community.

Student performances are graded against a rubric consisting of musical elements including Tone Quality, Blend & Balance, Intonation, Rhythm Precision, Articulation, Interpretation, Phrasing & Dynamics. Using this rubric, points are received and tallied, resulting in an overall rating of either Fair, Good, Excellent or Superior, with Superior being the most difficult rating to achieve.

These festivals provide a means for our soloist and small ensembles to receive a concrete third party assessment of their musicality and performance skills. We are very proud of our CMS musicians who work so hard to hone their playing skills to participate in these festivals and represent our school and our community at this regional level.