The Florida Bandmasters Associations’ annual Solo and Ensemble competition originated as a way to elevate the difficultly level of band performances for exceptional students. It focused on unifying the band programs in the entire state of Florida.
Though its been nearly a century since this idea first came to fruition, it remains true to this day. On Feb. 2 and 3, a total of 85 Steinbrenner colorguard and band students participated in this year’s Solo and Ensemble competition. Each year, a different school is selected as the host, and this year, Steinbrenner was chosen.
Students were instructed to pick out their own piece of music and spend their personal time learning and perfecting it. They were also able to form duos, trios, quartets, or larger ensembles.
A collegiate-level judge watches the students’ performance and scores. Then, the judge works briefly with the student, giving them tips and advice on how to further their musical ability.
Steinbrenner’s students performed using a number of instruments, from the marimba, to the trombone, to the flute, to various percussion solos, and many ensemble groups, including Steinbrenner’s colorguard.
John Cowan is a senior in the band program at Steinbrenner. He played a piece at the highest level, a seven, this year.
“This year was a lot easier, because we hosted it here at school. I got to help out running Solo & Ensemble this year which was fun. It was a much more involved experience.” said Cowan.
Students helping out at the event had a wide array of responsibilities. They set up judges in classrooms, ran music scores in the copy room, and more.
Shortly after performing, musicians are able to view their results. Scores range on a scale of one to five, one representing the highest score, a Superior. Students receiving Superiors that performed college-level pieces are invited to attend State Solo and Ensemble this March in Orlando.
Every Steinbrenner student that participated this year received either an Excellent, or the only score higher than it, a Superior. Our school’s own band director, Jason Allgair, is the district chair, in charge of running the bands and assessments in all of Hillsborough County.
“We had a lot of Superiors from Steinbrenner kids,” said Allgair. “I haven’t even had the time to do the math yet.”
This year’s Solo and Ensemble clearly had students putting their best first forward when it came to their instruments and preparations.
“When you’re playing by yourself, it requires a lot more discipline,” said Cowan. “It requires a lot more focus, a lot more musical expression.”
Jordyn Dees // Co-Opinion Editor
