Contest - Dignity and Grace

Solo and Small Ensemble contest is a process that many high school musicians go through - whether they be instrumental or vocal. We as teachers need to decide how we prepare our students to do their best. In the Enhancing the Professional Practice of Music Teachers by Paul G. Young he urges teachers to show dignity and grace when it comes time for contest. We prepare our students, but in what ways? We pummel through the music like there's no tomorrow, teaching technique, posture, language, and many other things; there's another step. We need to teach students how to judge themselves. Attached you will find the IHSMA (Iowa High School Music Association Adjudication forms for solo and small ensemble contest. These are guidelines that I believe the students need to be aware of.

Students should see these forms a couple weeks before contest in order to create a mental checklist of things to improve or maintain. Students that participation in solo and small ensemble should also be adjudicating their peers. This can create a third party aspect between the teacher, performer and audience. The audience member can grade the peer on the attached form and give comments to hopefully improve the performer's playing.

Another thing to teach our students is how to accept their rating. Students that get a I should be happy, but not go completely crazy over getting it. If they remain humble this will promote a kinder learning environment with the other students that don't fare so well. In other words no major bragging or putting down of others. Students should realize that the rating is merely an opinion. Students stress over getting a II instead of a I, but they should definitely take a look at the point values. The student may have been very close and that could instill a better sense of achievement.

Lastly, teachers should use these forms to shape their teaching. Like always you will pick what you agree with and throw away what you don't, but remember your student is your responsibility. You should see growth from year to year and this is reinforced by having solo and small ensemble contest.

http://www.ihsma.org/solo_small_ensemble.shtml Click here for the adjudication forms.