Solo festivals are held throughout New York State in the second semester. (See our Grading page for a rough guide to what the levels mean). NYSSMA (pronounced NISS-muh), is an acronym for "New York State School Music Association." NYSSMA maintains a large, comprehensive listing of solos, chamber ensembles and large ensembles (band, jazz band, orchestra, chorus) graded on a six level scale, with 6 being the highest.
#NYSSMA SCORE SHEET MANUAL#
Please refer to your Manual when selecting music to confirm details.
Please note this system represents most but not all of the NYSSMA Manual. Grades 1 through 6 - Click or tap a colored box to see a list of selections for that instrument and level. Consult your NYSSMA Manual for specific requirements for each work. Page listings current as of summer, 2019. Vocal Solos Click a link beneath a Grade Level to see a list of selections for that Grade. Your music teacher will receive your evaluation sheet within a week and will proudly give it to you.NYSSMA Solo & Ensemble Catalog Contests Catalog Solo & Ensemble Repertoire for New York State's NYSSMA Adjudication & Festivals Levels I-IV are rated on a 28 point scale and designated as “Outstanding, excellent, good, satisfactory, needs improvement.” For additional support with vocal preparations, kindly visit our website: TWO COPIES of the music should be purchased, one for the performer and one for the judge. Please verify all solos to ensure acceptance to the Festival. Teachers should be consulted as to appropriate level and suggested titles. The selection of music must appear listed in the NYSSMA MANUAL, Volume XXIX, July 1, 2012. Many students participating in NYSSMA do study with a private teacher, but certainly it is not required. In addition, the rating is based on the level of difficulty of each selection.
tone, intonation, technique, accuracy, interpretation, scales and sight-reading) each student receives a summative rating as well as verbal and written constructive criticism. Using a rating system based on several musical categories (i.e. The adjudicator will be a music educator from outside the school district.
#NYSSMA SCORE SHEET PROFESSIONAL#
This festival provides the opportunity for student musicians to perform a musical selection for a professional adjudicator. A week or two prior to the festival, your child’s music teacher will review the piece offering final suggestions for preparations. Students studying privately should consult with their private teachers. Students who participate in District-organized musical groups should consult with their teachers as to what would be an appropriate piece to prepare. Any student may participate in the festival. The festival consists of a private performance before a judge, after which the student is evaluated. The New York State School Music Association’s annual Festival is an opportunity for students to receive an objective evaluation of musical performance. To be a successful and positive experience it requires a student to devote additional time for practice and preparations. It requires preparation above and beyond the regular music of band, chorus or orchestra.
NYSSMA is not an obligation for any student.