On February 2nd, 2019 the Orchetra held its Solo and Ensemble Pre-competition performance and will be followed up by the Band Solo and Ensemble this Friday and Saturday.

The orchestra breaks its groups up based on student preference, not teacher belief. According to Senior Orchestra Major Jacqueline Paulat, the Solo and Ensemble Showcase is a chance to “appreciate each other’s progress.”

However, the Solo and Ensemble as a whole is a test of how the performers can play and how much heart they put into their craft. Hence, whether they are soloists or members of an ensemble, the plan is to perform as best as possible.

The Band department will also be having their Solo and Ensemble this Friday and Saturday. According to Kenneth Gonzalez, a senior band major, “every performer has a piece that they have been practicing for a few months now that was selected just for Solo and Ensemble.”

For the next few months, the band, orchestra, vocal and dance departments will all be making final preparations for their judged exams.