2012 Thumb Friends of the Arts Solo & Ensemble Festival

USA - Over 600 students from 17 area schools and four private lesson studios participated in the 8th Annual Thumb Friends of the Arts Solo & Ensemble Festival at Unionville-Sebewaing Area Schools on Monday, Jan. 30.

Participants performed solos or played in an ensemble on brass or woodwind instruments, piano or voice. There were 14 performance rooms, each with an adjudicator who specializes on that specific instrument.

After performing, each student received coaching from the adjudicator, and then received written comments and a rating. Students who acquired the highest two levels of ratings received a medal for their accomplishment.

Last year was the first year that TFOTA added an instrument competency portion to the festival. Students who did an outstanding job on their solo, could then go to on to an exam on their instrument, in which they would have to play memorized scales, and perform a sight-reading piece. There are three levels of competencies with Level One being the highest.

Katelyn Reithel, from USA Schools, received a perfect score on her solo, and then passed the Level One Competency on clarinet. She is the first student, on any instrument, to pass the highest level competency exam.

Many of these same band and choir programs will return for the 8th Annual Band & Choir Festival to be conducted on March 13 & 15.