For 15 years, Bill Kolbe, the current ESC middle school band director, has held musical instrument solo contests for his 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. The contests are not affairs where the students compete against each other, but for a standardized score based on the musical instrument playing skills of tone, intonation, technique, rhythm, articulation, dynamics, tempo, stage presence, posture, embouchure, selection, interpretation, general effect, and breathe support.
Many area schools take their students to the Buena Vista University campus where a similar contest is held, but given the cost of time and transportation, Kolbe has chosen to have high caliber judges come to the school. Said Kolbe, “I do not pick easy judges just to make the students look good, but judges who I know will be fair and equitable.”
The scores range from a I+ which means a student has attained a Superior rating down to a III- which is a below average rating. There were no below average scores awarded at the 2011 contest.
This year, seventy one students performed solos ranging from classic marches to modern theater arrangements. With guidance from Kolbe, the students choose their own material with the goal of finding pieces that challenge their skills. All middle school band participants are expected to bring a solo to the contest and are responsible for preparing their own solos.
The 8th graders who received scores of I+ will perform their solos at the upcoming spring swing show on April 2, 2010.
Scores and Photos from the March 18_ 2011 East Sac County Middle School Solo Contest
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