Youth Arts Coalition (YAC) Solo & Ensemble (S&E)
What is YAC S&E?
S&E is a non-competitive festival where music students can sing or play band/orchestra instruments as a solo or with a group of 2 or more students in front of a judge who provides valuable feedback for improving and developing skills. Students do not compete with one another for a “place” (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc) but against a standard of musical excellence for a rating. YAC S&E is open to home schooled students in 6th-12th grades (6th-8th grades for a Clinic-only experience, and 9th-12th grades for Clinic or Honors tracks). There is also a separate Elementary S&E clinic-only experience.
Clinic track—On this track, students perform only a prepared piece for a judge. The judge gives feedback for improvement on technique and performance skills. Students receive a rating based on a standard of musical excellence. On this track, students are eligible for consideration for the YAC Honors Recital and the HSMA Honors Recital.
Honors track—On this track, students perform a prepared piece and skill-appropriate sight reading. Instrumentalists also play memorized scales. The judge gives feedback for improvement on technique and performance skills. Students receive a rating based on a standard of musical excellence. This track is for students in grades 9 and up, and can make them eligible for consideration for the HSMA Honors Recital, the YAC Concerto Competition, and the YAC Honors Band/Choir/Orchestra.
Why participate in S&E?
S&E is designed to help students improve their musical skills and develop confidence and independence that will translate to better performance in both large and small ensemble settings. In addition to gaining valuable feedback and performance experience, students also make connections with one another and learn as they watch each other perform.
How can I prepare for S&E?
Practice, practice, practice, and start early! HSMA students who participate in S&E are also required to attend a preparation session. This is a time when students play their selected piece(s) for an HSMA-approved conductor, and the conductor makes suggestions to prepare the student to be critiqued by a judge who is musical expert. Practicing early and attending S&E prep are valuable steps a student can take to get the most out of the S&E experience.
What about younger students?
HSMA also offers Elementary S&E for students from the beginning level through 5th grade. Elementary S&E is a clinic-only experience, students will not be asked to perform sight reading or scales, and piano accompaniment is not required.
HSMA Honors Recital
In order to be considered for participation in the HSMA Honors Recital, students must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Achieve a rating of one (I) in the Clinic or Honors Track at the YAC S&E Festival (all ensembles are Clinic Track)
- Meet all practice minutes for the year
Once these requirements are met, HSMA leadership will determine which events will be invited to perform in the limited slots for the recital. Selected individuals and ensemble leaders will be contacted by HSMA leadership after the S&E Festival.
YAC Honors Band/Choir/Orchestra
In order to be considered for participation in the YAC Honors Band, Choir, or Orchestra, students must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Achieve a rating of one (I) on a Proficiency or vocal event at the YAC S&E Festival
- Be in 9th grade or above
Once these requirements are met, the events under consideration will be further evaluated by YAC leadership, who will make the final decision to fill a predetermined number of slots for the Honors Ensembles and Concerto Competition.
For more information: Solo &Youth Arts Coalition