October 15, 2015

Dear Band Parents and students,

2016 - ECMEA (Erie County School Music Association) Jazz andClassical solo audition festival dates are as follows:

Jazz solos – Saturday, January 9 at Depew HS

grade 9 - Saturday, January 16 at Orchard Park HS,

Grades 10 to 12 - January 23, 2016 at Buffalo Visual and Performing Arts School.

Any student can audition a solo as long as the solo is listed in the current NYSSMA manual.

There is no fee for preparing and performing at this solo festival. However, I will expect your child/my student to practice all 15 major scales, their solo, meet with me once a week to hear the solo and work on musical skills, as well as sight read. Solos cannot be a last minute preparation!

Your child and I have discussed their participation in this festival and have accepted this responsibility and commitment.

The procedure up to and for that date is as follows:

1.PURCHASE theoriginal copy of the solo from AL HEMER music in Orchard Park. If the solo is unaccompanied, then 2 copies must be purchased.

2. Your child must prepare and practice his or her solo and prepare all major scales, practice at home, meet with Mrs. O’Connor during activity period and/or practice at their private lessons (if he/she attends).

3.Your child will attend extra help during school hours, as well as attend their scheduled music lesson during school.

4.Your child will perform at their scheduled time at their assigned festival location and time.

Please encourage your child to practice their solo and major scales every day. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me at school 687-2491 ext. 1077 or email: .

Musically yours,

Please return the following page to Mrs. O'Connor by Friday, October 23, 2015

Musician’s Name ______Current Grade in School ______

Please check the solo festival date(s) you will attend:

_____Jazz Solo at Depew HS – January9, 2016 (grades 9-12)

_____Classical Solo at Orchard Park HS – January 16, 2016 (grade 9 ONLY)

_____Buffalo Academy of Visual Performing Arts – January 23, 2016 (grades 10-12)

______I don’t have a solo and will need Mrs. O’Connor to help me choose a solo.

______I have a solo from my private lesson teacher or chosen by myself. Please complete the information below.

Title of Solo ______Level of solo ______

Required movements: ______

Composer ______Arranger ______

Page in current NYSSMA manual ______(to be looked up by student in school)

Parent Signature ______

Private Teacher Name ______